That refrain was repeated time and again by facilitators at a
public meeting to take comments on a proposed Pagosa Springs downtown
master plan Thursday night.

Some heard. Some didn't. The ensuing debate circled not only
around the conceptual ideas tacked to large easels around the room,
but the very process used to put the plan on the table.

Mayor Ross Aragon opened the meeting before a standing room only
crowd in the Pagosa Springs Community Center. He asked for focus. He
asked for order. He asked people to get beyond the rumor mill.

"This meeting is about community participation," he said, adding
later, "So help me God, we're all doing this because we care about
this community."

Town Manager Mark Garcia set the stage for the rest of the meeting
which was structured to allow people to attend two of five break-out
sessions on different topics addressed in the draft plan. The plan is
focused on an area stretching from the high school to Lewis Street
and from the junction of U.S. 160 and U.S. 84 to the elementary
school. Ideas address, in part, traffic concerns, commercial and
residential development, park and river improvements, concepts for
beautifying entry and exit points in town, architectural elements,
parking and pedestrian movements.

Town population in the last decade has remained fairly stable at
around 1,700 people, Garcia said. Because of how the town has annexed
in the past, major growth has centered on commercial properties.
Soon, that could all change.

Garcia said in the last few months, the town planning and building
departments have seen requests that could mean as many as 250 new
housing units - sheltering an estimated 625 citizens - inside the
town.

That, Garcia said, would equal a 37-percent increase in
population. In 2004, $11 million in commercial and residential growth
was recorded inside town boundaries, topping the previous record of
$7 million set in 2000.

To address growth, including big boxes, impacts to infrastructure
and services, the town has started a comprehensive planning process
expected to take about 18 months. The downtown master plan could
become one part of that process - if approved at some point by the
Pagosa Springs Town Council. That hasn't happened yet. In fact, the
council hasn't even considered it.

The proposal was developed by the Community Vision Council, a
group of both public and private individuals formed in February 2004
to work on growth issues. It was first presented to the public in
November. The goal of Thursday's meeting was to allow the public to
comment on specific areas of concern.

That, they did.

Chuck McGuire, who identified himself as a local business owner,
said the town was getting, "the cart before the horse.

"I want to know how the representatives on the vision council were
selected," he said. "Shouldn't the entire community have a say in the
representation?" He also wanted to know what was so broken about the
current direction of the town that necessitated the changes proposed.

"This is your plan," Garcia said. "We're going to take it through
a town process." At another point he suggested the audience look at
the plans as blank sheets ready for the community to comment on, and
shape.

"Then turn them over and start from there," one person said.

Some of the most common concerns centered around cost of
improvements, how to maintain the historical character of Pagosa
Springs, affordability and traffic.

Several people, including Ron Gustafson representing the American
Legion, spoke against an idea of closing off Hermosa Street. One of
the ideas in the plan proposed reclaiming the pavement as park space.
Parking issues and access were two of Gustafson's concerns.

"The elderly don't want to turn left onto U.S. 160," he said.

Garcia said two advantages to the idea would be increasing overall
park acres and eliminating the safety concern of crossing Hermosa to
get from ballfields to the bathroom.

More questions centered on the county courthouse area. Another
idea presented in the master plan was development of a promenade
along with commercial and residential structures where the county
courthouse now stands.

Mamie Lynch, a county commissioner and a member of the vision
council, said the county has known for several years more space is
needed, especially in regard to the jail. Recently, the commissioners
issued a request for proposals to address both the sale of the
courthouse and construction of new facilities. Proposals are not due
until the end of the month and no decision has been made.

"They're going to sell the courthouse it sounds like to me," one
woman said from the audience.

Traffic issues and a bypass around downtown were also discussed.
Among those gathered to talk about the neighborhoods, questions
touched on 8th Street improvements, the idea of a commercial center
near 1st Street, location of the historical museum and condemnation.

Town Planner Tamra Allen said condemnation is not something the
town council is considering. Regarding parks people again discussed
Hermosa Street, several safety issues and river restoration.
Discussion about the schools, at least in the second session,
revolved around safety and location.

"The school board will guide and motivate moving this discussion
forward," Lisa Scott said, reiterating that nothing on any of the
plans was set in stone, or even in sand. Final decisions on all
elements would be made by elected officials through further planning
and study.

The need for a "theme" was the topic of conversation in another
room. Consultants from Hart Howerton, who drew up the conceptual
plan, suggested the concept of a gateway to the national parks,
developing that idea using local materials, natural landscaping and
some unified architectural styles.

Some suggested some type of consistency might be beneficial.
Others spoke in favor of the current hodgepodge that makes Pagosa
unique. Still others wanted no change at all.

"We don't want to see all these changes," one woman said. "We
moved here to live in a small town, to be free, to live how you want
to live. You want to make it like it is in a big city. We need to
progress, but progress slowly."

Angela Atkinson, the facilitator of the session, said the master
plan is meant to serve the people's needs and to help start a
discussion about how the town wants to progress at a time when
something proactive can still be done.

"Growth is going to hit Pagosa Springs like a steamroller," she
said. "Growth takes that choice away from you."

Several times throughout the meeting people asked if the town
charter could be changed to allow a larger segment of the population
the opportunity to vote on the future direction of the core area.

"The solution to this is for you to stay involved in the process,"
Garcia told the group at the end of the meeting. "Let your elected
officials know you have concerns with the development."

Now that the conceptual plan has been turned over to the town,
Garcia said, it will first be considered by the town's planning
commission at another public hearing. That date has not been
scheduled at this point.

The local economy will be the focus of a public meeting Jan. 25,
7-9 p.m. at the Pagosa Springs Community Center.

Economists Dan Guimond and Andy Knudtsen, of Economic and Planning
Systems, Inc., will facilitate the meeting. Guimond and Knudtsen are
consultants hired by the Community Vision Council to complete a
baseline economic study and fiscal impact analysis for Pagosa
Springs. Regionally, they are also participating in master plan work
in Telluride and consulting on the new Mercy Medical Center hospital
in Durango.

As part of the three-month study, the consultants will gather and
evaluate data related to housing, jobs, tourism, as well as current
and future demand for retail and commercial development throughout
the county.

Preliminary data from their research will be presented Tuesday
prior to opening the meeting to public comment. Topics for discussion
could include: economic impacts of growth, jobs and employment,
retail and commercial issues, the arts and cultural amenities,
recreation and tourism, and financing and fiscal impacts.

The second part of the commissioned study is a fiscal impact
analysis to consider the community's current financial condition
against future capital needs. The completed product, expected to be
available sometime in March, will also provide a plan that identifies
alternative courses of action for the town, including strategies to
generate revenues for improvements.

The big box task force, a group of citizens appointed by the town
to look at large-scale retail development impacts is awaiting results
of the study before making its final recommendations to both the town
and county boards.

Angela Atkinson, executive director for the vision council, said
the study will help create a blueprint for funding future capital
improvements in the town as well as provide much-needed basic
financial information.

For more information, contact the Community Visions Council, P.O.
Box 3997, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 or send comments to
info@communityvisioncouncil.org.

Special force halts domestic
threat

By Tess Noel Baker

Staff Writer

A man who threatened suicide after allegedly kidnapping his
3-year-old son was arrested safely following a standoff with law
enforcement officers Sunday morning.

According to Archuleta County Sheriff's Department reports,
William Hill Cocke, 41, of Pagosa Springs, surrendered peacefully
after 90 minutes of negotiations. He is being held in Archuleta
County Jail on $100,000 bond on charges of kidnapping, burglary and
violation of a restraining order.

The incident began about 10 p.m. Saturday. Deputies responded to a
domestic violence call on Lake Forest Circle. Cocke apparently broke
down the door of his estranged wife's home with an ax. An argument
ensued and Cocke left with his son despite a restraining order.

After interviews, deputies left Cocke a phone message. He returned
the call, threatening to kill himself if officers tried to find him.

"Through an anonymous tip we came up with the subject's location,"
Lt. T.J. Fitzwater said. At that point, a joint Special Enforcement
Division made up of Pagosa Springs police officers and deputies was
alerted. An assessment was made and negotiations began about 10 a.m.
Sunday. About an hour and a half later, Cocke surrendered. The child
was unharmed. Cocke was armed with a hunting knife.

Undersheriff Bob Grandchamp said the incident was a prime example
of why the Special Enforcement Team was created.

"Our primary concern was the child," he said. "With the suspect's
state of mind, and the situation, we wanted the child returned to the
mother peacefully and that's what we were able to do."

The joint Special Enforcement Detail is a team of officers who
have volunteered time for specialized training in hostage and
barricade situations as well as executing high-risk search warrants.

Mary Fisher Center debate
continued

By Tess Noel Baker

Staff Writer

All hands on deck.

That's what Upper San Juan Health Service District Chairman Pam
Hopkins wanted.

It wasn't going to happen Tuesday night at the scheduled regular
board meeting. Two board members were out of town on business. One
was taking a planned vacation. That left four to debate the
district's continuing financial struggles and the status of the Dr.
Mary Fisher Medical Center.

"I think it's just too important a decision for four people to
make," Hopkins said. "I think everyone needs to be there." To
accomplish that, the meeting was postponed until tomorrow, Jan. 21,
at 7 p.m. in the board room at Fire Station 1 on North Pagosa
Boulevard.

Agenda items will include a review of the district's financial
state, a review of outsource billing contracts and staff and
committee reports. Based on additional financial data, the board will
also reconsider its decision to keep the Dr. Mary Fisher Medical
Center open until at least Feb. 15.

At a special meeting Jan. 8, the board crunched the numbers
available and approved a motion to keep the doors open at the clinic
until March 31 provided the finances still look good Feb. 15. The
board made the decision in part because of a property tax check
expected after Feb. 10.

Since then, board member Jerry Valade has worked the numbers yet
again and created a model that depicts the district short of funds to
make payroll Feb. 4 even with a $50,000 line of credit from Citizens
Bank. His model includes covering payroll taxes and benefits and will
be discussed Friday.

Should the Mary Fisher Medical Center close as far as the family
practice goes, the district remains legally obligated to continue
medical oversight for EMS.

Inside The
Sun

Recent winter storm one for the
record books

By Tom Carosello

Staff Writer

It didn't qualify as No. 1, but did put a dent in the record
books.

Based on roughly 50 years of data, the third of three winter
storms that paralyzed much of Archuleta County from late December
through early last week packed enough punch to add another chapter to
the annals of Wolf Creek Pass.

An official report to the Colorado Department of Transportation
from Mark Mueller, avalanche forecaster for the Colorado Avalanche
Information Center, states the storm accounted for 26 avalanches near
the pass, and 14 of the slides reached U.S. 160.

Due to the amount of debris carried onto the highway, the pass was
closed from the morning of Jan. 8 until the evening of Jan. 12.

As a result, "This storm is ranked sixth with 1,925 feet of the
highway centerline covered," says Mueller.

The report also indicates the storm qualified for top-10 status in
the categories of total snowfall and water content.

"Wolf Creek Pass received 69 inches of snowfall with eight inches
of water content from Jan. 8 through Jan. 12," says Mueller.

"The 69 inches of snowfall ranks it ninth, but the eight inches of
water content ranks it sixth," he adds.

Says Mueller, "This storm can be compared to the major storm of
February 1993 in most respects, except that Wolf Creek was closed for
less time (this year)," - 96 hours compared to 113 hours in 1993.

Providing a catalyst for the avalanche activity spawned by the
recent storm was snowfall left behind by a pair of lesser yet
significant weather systems which began to roll over Wolf Creek Pass
during the last week of December.

"Snow fell for 15 consecutive days from Dec. 29 to Jan. 12, with
120 inches of snowfall and 14.4 inches of water content
accumulating," says Mueller. "This is more than one-third of an
entire winter's average accumulation at this site."

According to Mueller, were it not for mitigation efforts, the
events of Jan. 8-12 could have occupied a higher rung on the
historical ladder.

"A very successful avalanche control mission on Jan. 7 ...
probably kept avalanches from being larger by reducing the amount of
unstable snow before this final storm began," concludes Mueller.

County explains snow removal
policies

By Dick McKee

Archuleta County public works director

Winter maintenance/snow removal is a very important function of
the Archuleta County Road and Bridge Department.

Our crew members are dedicated to the task of maintaining the
roads under Archuleta County's jurisdiction. This responsibility does
not include state highways, streets in incorporated areas (metro
districts) or private roads.

An average 3,000 miles of driving is required to plow the roads
after one storm. Each equipment operator averages 150-200 driving
miles for each storm day, at a maximum speed of 25 m.p.h.

The road crew reports to work at 2 a.m. during snowstorms with
significant snowfall to clear the main roads before the community
wakes up to start the day, to get to work, school, etc.

Right-of-way

The county road right-of-way averages 50-60 feet from the centerline of the roadway. This area is needed for snow storage, drainage and signage. At times it is necessary to plow snow well off the road into the right-of-way to make room for the snow from next storm.

Homeowners and residents should be careful not to place in the
right-of-way any landscaping or other objects, which could be damaged
by the plows, or that could damage our plows.

The county is not responsible for removing snow piled around
mailboxes, newspaper boxes or for damage that may be caused to trash
containers, etc. placed within the right-of-way. This is the
responsibility of the property owners.

Priorities

Archuleta County is a thriving community with a great demand on
the transportation system. Our main roads are vital to the smooth
flow of traffic.

Main roads and school bus routes are our top priority.

Secondary priority is given to main roads through subdivisions,
followed by other, lower-volume roads.

Our maintenance responsibilities include all county and public
roads within Archuleta County. Due to the size of this area, and
depending on the amount of snowfall, some roads may not be plowed the
day of a storm.

Driveways

Homeowners and residents are responsible for maintaining their own
driveways and parking areas.

We regret that snow must be pushed off the road into driveways,
but there is no choice.

The roadway and driveway entrances will be cleared as soon as time
and weather allows clean-up operations to take place, usually two to
three days after the storm.

Plowing across roads

When clearing your driveway, either yourself or with the aid of a
private contractor, be aware that it is unlawful to push or throw
snow into or across the roadway. Your snow must be disposed of on
your own property.

Snow pushed into the road not only makes plowing more difficult
for road crews but can also cause a dangerous obstacle in the roadway
and can be a nuisance to your neighbors.

This law will be strictly enforced, and fines will apply: Colorado
Revised Statute (C.R.S. Part 3 43-5-301) states: "No person or
corporation shall place upon a road, street or highway any object so
as to damage the same or to cause a hazard to vehicular traffic.
Under this law you can be fined if found guilty, you can also be held
liable to any person, unit of government, or corporation in a civil
action for any damages resulting there from."

Snow that is pushed or blown onto or across the road reduces the
amount of storage used by the road and bridge department, which
causes the road to become narrow. Snow left in the road is often
picked up by the plow, carried along the street until it reaches your
neighbor's driveway, and is then deposited there for them to deal
with.

Parking

Parking problems are compounded by winter snow and a little extra
care should be taken to avoid them.

Roads must be plowed when it snows, and cars parked in the way
make it impossible to do this adequately. It is, in fact, unlawful to
park on county roads. Your home, apartment or condominium is required
to have adequate off-road parking.

A road obstructed by parked cars may not get plowed or the cars
may be towed at the owner's expense.

Always remember - slow down and drive according to the road
conditions.

The life you save may be your own.

Fire officials seek help in
clearing hydrants

By Tess Noel Baker

Staff Writer

In the midst of all the white snow, local firefighters are hoping
people will help them see red - the red of over 1,200 fire hydrants
dotting the district that is.

"We're asking people to get together with their neighbors to
shovel the hydrants, to keep them cleaned out," Pagosa Fire
Protection District Chief Warren Grams said.

All hydrants are supposed to be equipped with a red flag that
sticks above the snow. Many times these are bent, Grams said, making
it difficult to find hydrants in the middle of the night. Berms piled
up as roads are cleared can also bury the small flags.

"We simply do not have the resources to shovel out all the
hydrants," Grams said. "We hope people will help us out by adopting
their local hydrant and keeping it cleaned out."

Durango schools to host
regional education panel

By Richard Walter

Staff Writer

Durango school officials have invited members of the board of
education of Archuleta School District 50 Joint to participate in a
wide-ranging legislative panel Jan. 29.

The Pagosa officials will be among representatives of eight area
public school districts and Fort Lewis College conferring with state
educational and legislative leaders.

Already confirming they will participate are state board of
education members Pam Sukla and Jared Polis, chairman. Also on the
panel will be state Rep. Mark Larson of Cortez and state Sen. Jim
Isgar of Hesperus.

Panelists have been asked to update boards and superintendents of
the participating districts on important issues under consideration
by the legislature and/or the state board of education as well as
respond to prepared questions that will be provided to them in
advance.

Topics such as changes in the state plan for No Child Left Behind,
simplifying the state's three accountability systems, raising the age
of compulsory attendance to 17, TABOR and funding issues will likely
be on the agenda.

The panel will convene at 1:30 p.m. in the District 9-R board room
at 201 E. 12th St., Durango.

School visits

Following a successful visit to the elementary school last month,
the board last week set its sights for a visit to the high school
next Monday where they will divide time in the mathematics and
language arts department, then meet with the student council.

The next trip after that will tentatively be to the junior high
Feb. 16 or 23 with board members alternating in at least three
classrooms to see the program in action.

A visit to the intermediate school will be planned at the next
board meeting.

Grant sought

The district board has approved a grant application draft by Terry
Alley seeking $125,000 per year for the next three years from the
Reading First Grant program.

The amount requested would fund the Read to Achieve and Title 1
programs in Pagosa Springs Elementary School.

Several staffing changes were approved at the same Jan. 11
meeting, including naming:

- Rick Schur as junior high assistant boys basketball coach;

- Dan Bahn as a volunteer assistant high school baseball coach;
and

- Kristen Finn, Kitty Lee and Nicolle Looper as substitute
teachers.

In other action, the board approved new or revised policies
dealing with sick leave, sick leave bank rights, and a long discussed
new social studies curriculum.

Request for mail service
decision still unanswered

By Richard Walter

Staff Writer

Confusion still clouds the continued requests for mail service in
Pagosa Lakes subdivisions.

Walt Lukasik, Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association general
manager, told the association board of directors Jan. 13 that despite
earlier data from postal officials, the use of individual mail boxes
at roadside may not be a dead issue.

He said there appears to be conflicting policies over private mail
box usage and between the U.S. Postal Service the county's road and
bridge department.

Lukasik said he has written a letter to the local postmaster
clarifying the position of the association which asks the postal
service to spell out the issues so property owners can be informed of
processes necessary for them to be entitled to place individual boxes
for mail delivery.

He told the board he had received no answer to the letter but
hopes both the post office and road and bridge will provide data
which will allow written instructions to property owners.

The problem stems from requests by several home owners for cluster
box installation that have been ruled out because of the
inaccessibility of sites; and of several homeowners being told they
could have delivery to a box at the roadway and their property line
while others apparently were denied.

Still others have been told they qualify for free mail boxes in
the downtown post office, but are reluctant to make the drive into
town and back for their daily mail.

On another continuing issue, the board heard that owners of
Village Lake properties lying inside the buoy line are reviewing a
draft of an agreement proposal submitted in December.

The buoy line has been removed from the lake for the winter and
association staff is awaiting reply from the property owners on the
agreement proposal. "It appears," Lukasik said, "some like the
proposal and others do not."

In other action, the board:

- heard that 4,720 statements have been mailed to owners for 2005
assessments, the number including statements for multiple properties
under single ownership in a single statement. Lukasik noted "some
payments already have come in."

- learned the annual audit of association financial activity for
2004 began Jan. 13 with Michael C. Branch the auditor, and completion
expected in two-to-three weeks.

- heard discussion of the ongoing "Property Owners Involvement and
Input Initiative" and reviewed minutes of the steering group's Jan. 7
meeting. Lukasik said Chris Phillips has been a point person for the
group and is developing a mission statement on how to reach property
owners and what objectives they are expected to establish. Director
Gerald Smith reiterated an oft-stated demand that the citizens
develop objectives, not a mission statement. "I don't want to see
verbiage going back and forth that detracts from the goal of
determining what people want this area to be like in the future," he
said.

- on the recommendation of Lukasik, agreed to retain Orten and
Hindman of Denver as association counsel for the fifth year, with a
$10 per month increase in retainer fee.

Overdue book fines will go to
tsunami relief

By Barb Draper

Special to The SUN

Do you have a fine at the library? Do you have overdue books you
have been meaning to return?

The week of Jan. 24 - 30 will be a FINE time for you to take care
of these obligations.

For this one week, Ruby Sisson Library, in cooperation with
American Red Cross and other libraries across Colorado, will donate
all money received from fines to the Tsunami Relief Fund.

This is one way we can show our support for other people of the
world who are faced with such tragedy.

The immediate American Red Cross focus is on getting lifesaving
help to millions affected by the tsunami. This includes distributing
culturally appropriate food like rice, canned fish and lentils to
millions of people. Safe water and sanitation are priorities and the
Red Cross will be rehabilitating water and sanitation systems to
ensure that people have clean water and water disposal systems as
quickly as possible.

Red Cross workers will also work in the crucial area of disease
prevention, vaccinating and protecting millions against measles,
polio and malaria, while also helping to provide mental health
support for those suffering emotional trauma. Critical relief
supplies like tents, hygiene kits and cooking utensils will also be
distributed as part of the Red Cross response.

Don't owe any fines?

Interested in contributing a little something more?

Under an agreement with the Red Cross, participating libraries
will also serve as a collection point for donations. Please help us
help these victims.

County-PLPOA animal pact under
extension; two changes pending

By Richard Walter

Staff Writer

A new animal control service contract between Archuleta County and
Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association is being delayed pending
purchase of a new vehicle.

In the meantime, the 2004 contract is now on its second 14-day
extension after action by the PLPOA board of directors Jan. 13.

The board agreed to two major changes in the contract, expected to
be approved by the county at a special meeting Jan. 25.

The changes include an increase in the monthly service charge to
PLPOA from $2,716 (there was no increase in 2004) to $2,905, plus 15
cents per mile traveled in the subdivisions which constitute the
association; and the purchase by the county of a new truck for the
job, with 75 percent of it's use specifically within the association
bounds with a monthly use fee for the truck of $268.

Under the pending agreement the county would own, insure, maintain
and provide a garage for the new vehicle. The agreement regarding the
truck would be a five-year pact meaning a use fee payout for PLPOA
over that time of just over $16,000, in addition to the annual
service fee and the mileage charge.

What does PLPOA get for that money?

Statistics for 2004 give some idea of the load in the member
subdivisions.

For example, in 2004, 56 reports were taken in the county and 48
in Pagosa Lakes subdivisions.

Those reports led to 67 dogs impounded from Pagosa Lakes and 66 in
the rest of the county. Five cats were impounded from Pagosa Lakes
and two from the rest of the county; Five cruelty cases here handled
in association cases and three elsewhere; 68 dogs were returned to
Pagosa Lakes owners and 48 to others in the county; 99 verbal
warnings were issued in Pagosa lakes subdivisions and 56 elsewhere in
the county; 33 written warnings were issued in association incidents
and 23 in the rest of the county; 266 miscellaneous contacts were
made in association territory and 169 elsewhere; six summons were
issued in Pagosa Lakes and seven in the balance of the county; and
144 calls from dispatch were made to the animal service officer for
incidents on association properties compared to 139 in the balance of
the county.

At the request of Walt Lukasik, general manager, the board granted
him the authority to sign the extension agreement and to make
commitment for the contract when the county is ready since that point
will come before the next regular board meeting.

Association treasurer Fred Uehling will verify the terms are as
presented before sign-off is made.

Thirty-three with perfect marks
top IS honor roll

Ten fifth-graders and 23 sixth-graders with perfect 4.0 averages
lead the Pagosa Springs Intermediate School Honor for the second
grading period.

The Upper San Juan Regional Planning Commission will open a
regular meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, in the county
commissioners' meeting room, in the Archuleta County Courthouse.

The Upper San Juan Regional Planning Commission agenda includes:

- call to order/roll call at 7 p.m.

- election of officers;

- adoption of bylaws;

- other business that may come before the commission;

- adjournment.

The Archuleta County Planning Commission will hold its regular
meeting 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, in the county commissioners'
meeting room, in the county courthouse. Public comment is welcome and
encouraged.

The Archuleta County Planning Commission agenda includes:

- call to order/roll call at 7:15 p.m.;

- election of officers;

- adoption of by-laws;

- trails plan amendment;

- update on Archuleta County Land Use Survey.

All surveys have been counted and each district has been evaluated
for its validity. The planning department will present its findings
to the planning commission;

- review of the Dec. 8, 2004, planning commission minutes;

- other business that may come before the commission;

- adjournment.

Blood draw slated here Jan. 27

Recycle Life -- give blood.

That is the plea from United Blood Services as it looks toward the
only scheduled local draw here in the second half of January.

Remember that current identification is required of all potential
donors.

And, you can sign-up for drives at www.unitedbloodservices.org

Historic building survey focus
of meeting tonight

By Tess Noel Baker

Staff Writer

It's time to take another peak into Pagosa's past.

Tonight at 6 p.m. the public is invited to Town Hall for a
presentation of findings of a second historic building survey within
town boundaries.

Jill Seyfarth, of Cultural Resources Planning, of Durango, was
hired by the Town of Pagosa Springs to complete a second round of
historic surveys using about $11,000 from a State Historic Fund
grant.

About two years ago, an initial survey of historic structures was
done on about 100 buildings in town, including those on Pagosa, San
Juan and Lewis streets. This is a follow-up, focusing in general on
the South Pagosa neighborhood from Sixth to Ninth streets. Some other
properties, including the Pagosa Springs Intermediate School, were
also surveyed.

"This was an attempt to identify the building trends in the area,
significant architectural styles and to get a grasp for the history
of the South Pagosa area," Town Planner Tamra Allen said. "The
original depot and a sawmill were in this general neighborhood."

Copies of individual surveys will be available to property owners
from Allen at Town Hall following the public meeting. For more
information, call 264-4151, Ext. 235.

Letters

An asset to all

Dear Editor:

Speaking for the Library District Board of
Trustees, we are saddened by Lenore Bright's retirement.

She has made a choice that is in her best
interests and we wish her many fulfilling and relaxing days in her
retirement.

Lenore has been and will continue to be an
asset to the library and the community in many ways.

She has generously enhanced more lives than
she could ever know.

Lenore and Gil moved to Pagosa in 1980 and
she immediately became active in the library.

In 1983, while the library was still located
in Town Hall, she was hired as director. Without her superior
organizing skills, gracious demeanor and tenacity, we would not have
the facility we have today.

And without her dedication to the director's
position, we would not be pursuing the expansion project currently in
the works.

This board wishes to express gratitude to
the entire staff whose competence and dedication to the library will
carry us through this transition period. Staff has stepped forward to
assure that the library will continue to operate smoothly.

Shirley Iverson and Peggy Bergon will share
the interim director position with solid support from staff members
Barb Draper, Jackie Welch, Nancy Cole and Phyllis Wheaton.

Planning for the expansion and renovation of
the building is on track. The board of trustees is working through
the review and approval process as we anticipate an early spring
construction start.

Joan Rohwer, John Steinert,

Glenn Raby, Scotty Gibson,

Kerry Dermody and Jack Ellis

Given the business

Dear Editor:

Last Thursday evening I attended the town
meeting scheduled for the public to review the proposed town plan. It
was immediately obvious that the strategy of the meeting was to focus
concern on the details rather than the big picture. Words were used
to describe the plan such as possible, optional and eventual. More
appropriate adjectives might be immediate and devastating.

Pagosa Springs is already under siege from
David Brown a California developer who has purchased much (maybe
most) of the riverfront and downtown property. Already, longtime
businesses are closing. Buildings are standing empty. Evicted tenants
are scrambling for new locations. The developer, incidentally, is
also the money and driving force behind the community plan.

In an effort to conceal this fact, Mark
Garcia, town manager, blatantly evaded and ignored repeated questions
about the financing of the plan and the Community Vision Council
itself. Eventually he resorted to telling the crowd that this
information was available on the town Web site although this was
patently untrue.

Lisa Scott, in charge of the "schools group"
also emphasized the fact that the future of the local schools was up
to the school board and their appointed task force. She failed to
disclose that this task force was an adjunct of the CVC and that she
was the chair.

No one can argue that Pagosa Springs doesn't
need a long term plan or that we can avoid growth by sticking our
heads in the sand. Town officials and spokespersons, however, are
promoting as public a plan bought and paid for by the same
billionaire currently buying up our town lock, stock and
barrel.

Pagosans, this is not a community plan. This
is a business plan and just guess who is being given the
business.

Kelly Carson Evans

Editor's note: Mr. Brown is a Colorado
resident. The town has not yet acted officially on proposals reviewed
at last week's meeting.

Tear up Pagosa

Dear Editor:

Here we go again. Let's tear up
Pagosa.

Now it's our schools, shops, etc. You say
they're inadequate but they've been there since I can remember. We
all went to school there.

As for being inadequate, all the millions
you're spending could be spent to repair the sewer, etc.

There's other places for parking (in the
middle of town, that's not appealing).

This is a very beautiful town. Let's keep it
that way, a town, not another city. That's what makes Pagosa Pagosa,
it's uniqueness. Most of you came here because it wasn't a city. Why
change what's not broken?

P.S. You're breaking our hearts. Happy
Valentine's Day.

Louise Gallegos

Good samaritan

Dear Editor:

On Jan. 5, we were in a one-car accident on
Yellow Jacket Pass. The vehicle we were traveling in, slid on an ice
patch and rolled down a steep embankment, landing upside down in the
creek.

A very good samaritan, Gary White, of Pagosa
Springs, was first on the scene. He immediately came to our
assistance and waited with us until help arrived. We wish to publicly
thank him for being kind and compassionate to total strangers. Here
is our thank you letter to Mr. White:

Dear Gary,

Your unconditional concern for us when we
were in a single-vehicle accident is a gesture that we will never
forget. There is hope for mankind because of your kindness which
helped us cope with our ordeal. We are deeply humbled because you
made sure we were kept warm by having us stay in your pickup until
emergency vehicles arrived. You also offered words of encouragement
which eased our stressful feelings of dealing with the accident. We
are sure that you had pressing matters but you chose to stay until
were in good hands. We have told the members of our families, friends
and associates of our accident and we always include your assistance.
Thank you so much.

Our daughter-in-law and her child are doing
fine. I am also doing fine. Marti still has soreness in her neck from
the whiplash but eventually it will go away. Not only did we survive
but we will not suffer long-term physical effects. Needless to say
the vehicle was totaled.

May God bless you and your family.

Sincerely,

Jerry and Marti Gilmore

Kayenta, Ariz.

Disturbing

Dear Editor:

I attended a meeting last night here in
Pagosa Springs and it was brought up that in Pagosa we have our own
Prince Harrys.

Where? Here at Pagosa Springs High
School.

We have a great Jewish family here in Pagosa
and their children attend the high school and the junior high school.
These kids experience swastikas in the yearbooks from other Pagosa
students. Also, the daughter experiences a very tough road at the
junior high school from other students.

This behavior is pretty sad, and totally
unnecessary. I would ask the parents in the community who have kids
in our schools to be very aware that this is going on; to make sure
that it is not their kids participating in this behavior; and, if it
is, that they take the time to explain how hurtful, harmful and
hateful this behavior is.

Also, I am sure our budgets do not allow us
to visit concentration camps, but the Web supplies plenty of that
information for parents to share with their children.

Let's welcome the diversity in Pagosa and
keep it here.

Sue Liescheidt

Editor's note: The father of the
youngsters mentioned in your letter was contacted. He indicated the
matter was brought to school officials and that he was satisfied with
the way it was handled, describing the schools' response as
"professional, with the proper amount of concern." It was determined
the incidents were not an example of hate crime, a conclusion with
which the father agreed, but rather the actions of people who have
not been exposed to a diverse population.

The cornerstone

Dear Editor:

While we are joyful for the entire Bright
family that our beloved Lenore will finally get some well-deserved
rest, we are heartbroken to know that she will no longer be the rock
we have all known has been sustaining the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial
Library.

It just occurred to me - she will always be
the cornerstone.

With great affection,

Mary and Eva Loudermilk

Klamath Falls, Oregon

Ludicrous

Dear Editor:

Again, the left fail to use real fact in
their letters, and instead blurt out the same deceptive liberal
rhetoric that lost them the election. Mr. Buslepp's unoriginal claim
that Saddam had no weapons of mass destruction is, in my mind, still
open for debate. What's even more ludicrous is his statement that
America was attacking a nation (Iraq) that "isn't attacking
anyone."

Where were you when Saddam savagely
slaughtered hundreds of thousands of his own people, over 1 million
Iranians, and over 1,000 Kuwaitis? Is this not the same brutal tyrant
who has defied 17 U.N. Security Council resolutions over the past 12
years? Is it not the same man who offered $25,000 to each family of
suicide bombers in hopes that it would increase amount of attacks?
(Associated Press, "Iraq Pays Palestinians Compensation,"
9/13/02).

If the liberals had had their way, that same
man would still be free and rampant in the Middle East. Thanks to
President Bush, he is now in captivity. I thank God that dangerous
terrorists are being brought to justice. Does the fact that bin
Laden's recent videos warn America against voting for Bush tell us
something? If the most deadly and sought-after terrorist is in hiding
because of America's forces and is angered at President Bush, is that
not a positive sign that we are doing something right?

Mr. Morris' claim that Bush is ruining
Social Security is a joke. There are so many problems with Social
Security right now, that if something is not done, the whole system
will cave in on itself. Today, even the oldest baby boomers are still
four years away from claiming their benefits. Political experts
predict that the Social Security program faces a shortfall of over
$12 trillion (National Review, Dr. Michael Tanner, head of Social
Security Cato Institute Project).

The only way to close the deficit would be
to cut benefits 27 percent by the time today's 25-year-olds retire.
Does that sound like a Social Security plan? I believe that President
Bush's statement claim that Social Security is on "the road to
bankruptcy" is right on (presidential weekly radio address, Jan. 15,
2005).

The only way to save Social Security in the
long run is to reform. The sooner the liberal left stop trying to
sabotage the president's actions, the sooner we can actually move
forward as a nation.

Zach Mayne

Writer's response

Dear Editor:

I read Franklin Anderson's letter last week
with much interest and feel a need to respond.

I have a great respect for Franklin, have
been in his home, and listened attentively as he talked
authoritatively about Pagosa Country history. His family has
contributed much to local history.

Many years ago, I had the special pleasure
of drinking coffee at the Elkhorn a few times with Franklin's dad,
Lloyd. Lloyd was government trapper in this area for many years and
probably knew the local mountains better than any man before or
since. I wish my brain contained Lloyd's knowledge of our local
natural environment and its inhabitants.

Franklin's pointers concerning the history
of Fort Lewis College in Durango are undoubtedly correct. That being
said, I feel compelled to make the following comments concerning my
article tracking the events controlling the movement of Fort Lewis,
an Army camp, from Pagosa Springs, to Fort Lewis, a college campus,
in Durango.

My article was aimed at newcomers to the
area who are unlikely to be aware of the connection between the two
Fort Lewis institutions. I never intended to write a history of
either. Consequently, I painted the movement from Pagosa to Durango
in broad strokes, with as few details as possible.

If I erred, it was in glossing over certain
points and transitions without taking the time and space to include
details. Frankly, I have no interest in the history of Fort Lewis
College after it ceased to be an Indian school, circa 1911. I'm sure
it is a fine school and books written by historians Robert Delaney
and Duane Smith contain all of the facts concerning the college
anyone could want.

I apologize that my decision to hurry past
many of the details of the school's history caused concern,
especially among those who know that history and identify with the
school.

At the same time, I think it important that
local citizens interested in local history be aware that Fort Lewis
College is the product of a circuitous path beginning as an Army post
at Pagosa Springs.

Respectfully

John M. Motter

Good for people

Dear Editor:

Last Thursday evening's Community Vision
Council meeting certainly evoked a lot of emotion in those who
attended.

Whatever one may think of the plan
presented, it has proved to be a wonderful thing for the people of
Archuleta County.

Why? Because we now have 200-300 people who
are truly interested in this planning process, and who might just
participate in helping shape the plan as the process moves forward.

One of the most common complaints I heard
was that this wasn't the people's plan, it was someone else's. True
enough, and perhaps the town should consider taking a small step
backward in the overall process. Invite people to come to new
meetings where people can provide input on how they see the Pagosa of
the future. Such a step would allow for input from those who feel
they have not been heard.

To make these meetings meaningful, the town
would promise to add this new input to the plan that it now has
stewardship over. Consider for a moment how many people would have
attended these input meetings had the CVC and its plan never existed.
Few if any, I suspect. So we have the CVC to thank for getting so
many people interested in participating in the planning process as it
moves forward.

We should look at a comprehensive plan as a
sort of zoning overlay. Once completed and adopted this plan provides
clear, enforceable guidelines on the types of development that can or
cannot occur in any part of Town.

This is perhaps the best way to help shape
the future look and feel of Pagosa in a way that works for us, not
just what some developer and his lawyer want to do with the town.
Refining the plan the town has inherited from the CVC, will lead to a
comprehensive plan, if I heard Mr. Garcia correctly.

Those voices in the community that like
things as they are and want to leave well enough alone, perhaps
haven't taken a road trip in Colorado in the past 20 years.
Personally, I am surprised that more change hasn't come to Pagosa
sooner.

All you have to do is look up the pass to
see what happens when someone with a lot of money wants to put their
vision of Colorado right in our backyard. Next time it may be right
in the middle of downtown. If we the people are to have any say over
the future of Pagosa, then we need to be prepared to work
constructively with the town towards a viable comp plan, to ensure
the character of our town in the future.

And we need a refined version of the CVC
(now town) plan so we can pursue grant funding and other mechanisms
to build the public places we want. If you care about Pagosa's
future, then be prepared to participate.

Chris Philips

Right to leave

Dear Editor:

I think a lot of folks in our great country
are getting pretty tired of worrying about whether we are offending
some individual or their culture.

Since the terrorist acts of Sept. 11, we
have experienced a tsunami surge in patriotism by the majority of
Americans. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when
the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the
possibility that our patriotism was offending others; Tough!

The American culture has been developed over
centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and
women who have sought one objective - freedom. Whether the "left"
like it or not, the commitment of our founding fathers is once again
the calling of our time.

I really don't care if the ACLU and liberals
in this nation are upset because "In God We Trust" is our national
motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, ultra-intelligent,
mega-mouth, political rallying cry.

We adopted this motto because Christian men
and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this
fact is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it
on the walls of our schools or in any public office/place. If God
offends you, then I strongly suggest that you consider another part
of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture. No
one will ever change that fact. Ya might want ta earnestly chew on
that certitude for a spell - then lovingly swallow.

Should Stars and Stripes offend you, or you
don't particularly like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider
a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture
and have no desire to change.

This is our country, our land and our
lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to
express his opinion and all of us are allowed every opportunity to do
so. Even the "Julia Childs of Journalism," with his mega word,
encyclopedic offerings, has a hebdomadal coterie and purveys
exaggeratedly Lilliputian "Food for Thought" unfit for table
consumption.

So, once you are done complaining, whining
and griping about your crossword puzzle, our flag, our pledge, our
national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you to take
advantage of just one other profoundly regarded American freedom -
the inalienable right to leave.

Jim Sawicki

Editor's note: Oh the irony: All those long
hours, all that effort spent scouring the dictionary ... only to
stumble on a common name. It's Julia Child.

Sad, helpless

Dear Editor:

Having just returned from the CVC public
input meeting at the community center, I am sad, disheartened and
feeling pretty helpless.

I do not live in Pagosa Springs, but I work
there. Since I live outside the boundaries I have no real say-so on
what is happening to Pagosa.

This letter is a plea to everyone living in
Pagosa Springs, who loves their home, their land and their town. You
must attend every meeting of this group and let them know your
feelings. Above all, a final plan must be voted on by the voting
public in Pagosa Springs, rather than a Town Council.

This is one whale of a lot bigger than
whether or not a Wal Mart comes to town. Wal Mart is way on the back
burner now.

Pagosa Springs will be and is now losing
it's very soul. Pagosa Springs, as we know it, will soon be history,
with all the drastic changes. They say we need these changes due to
growth. They, meaning all the fancy hired authorities who do not give
one hoot about the soul of a town.

Look at Pagosa now. Enjoy. Breathe it in.
Look at it until your eyes hurt. Soon it will not be Pagosa at all.
The name will have to be changed to what it will become. Perhaps
Smithville, but more than likely Brownsville.

Mary Lou Sprowle

Leave it alone

Dear Editor:

Christopher Columbus ignored the Indians and
"discovered" the land they were standing on.

So it is with planning committees, "...
people from elsewhere ... big city things." I, too, say leave it
alone.

H. (Bones) Spaulding

Community
News

Film Society will review 'Storm
Boy'

At its 7 p.m. meeting Tuesday, Jan. 25, the
Pagosa Springs Film Society will screen and discuss the 1977
Australian movie "Storm Boy."

While Pagosan John Graves was the executive
producer in charge of Feature Films and Television for the South
Australian Film Corporation, he supervised development of this
poignant story of a boy, his aboriginal friend, and a pet pelican
from a novel into a feature film, but had to leave South Australia
before it was finally produced.

Costarring with young Greg Rowe in this
beautiful family feature is David Gulpilil, a 15-year-old aboriginal
unknown, who came to instant worldwide acclaim in Nicholas' Roeg's
1971 classic feature, "Walkabout."

David went on to international renown, not
only as an actor, dancer and musician, but as an organizer of
acclaimed troupes of traditional aboriginal artists and performers.
He's even the author of a number of popular children's books.
Gulpilil now lives in Ramingining, his homeland in Australia's
Northern Territory, where he still works, writes, advocates for
reform, and teaches as a respected tribal leader.

Since another costar in the film is a
trained pelican who is instrumental in a shipwreck rescue, a training
program for this species had to be created. It seemed that no one had
attempted to tame a wild pelican for a movie before, so there were no
established procedures for what turned out to be an almost
insurmountable challenge. Graves will discuss this and other
production problems following the Tuesday screening.

The meeting will be held in Unit 15,
Greenbriar Plaza. Turn east on Greenbriar Drive off of North Pagosa
by the fire station, then left into the parking lot and look for the
big sign.

Hot Strings ready to move into
big-time Newgrass

By Erin K. Quirk

PREVIEW Columnist

Growing up in a band that played it's first gig before all the band members reached fifth grade, certainly has advantages  an established fan base, an invitation to play venues that adult bands would kill for and the possibility of dating teen-age groupies without fear of reproach.

But three of the four members of the locally
beloved Pagosa Hot Strings are in college now.

At a time when their contemporaries at Fort
Lewis College are starting to play music in each other's basements,
The Hot Strings have just returned from Nashville, where they worked
with one of the top guitarists in the "Newgrass" genre to finish
their third and most progressive album to date.

"It's time to buckle down and bite the
bullet and start working like the professionals do," said the band's
21-year-old, national-champion mandolin player Josiah Payne, who
first picked up the mandolin at age 11.

In December the band, which includes Pagosa
Springs High School student Carson Park on the fiddle, Jared Payne on
the guitar, Josiah Payne on the mandolin and Lech Usinowicz on bass,
spent a week in Nashville working with Pat Flynn and Brent Truitt.

Flynn is best known as one of the top
session guitarists in Nashville and one of the founding members of
New Grass Revival, a band that included Sam Bush, John Cowan and Bela
Fleck.

Truitt is the mandolin player for the Dixie
Chicks.

Both men helped the Hot Strings produce
their new album, "Uncharted," which is due out in May.

The album, bursting with new, original
music, is the band's first new release in four years. "Uncharted"
signals their shift from a young bunch of regional pickers to a group
of serious musicians mining some unexplored, creative territory in
the world of Newgrass.

"We do believe we have something to offer,"
said Usinowicz, who has played the bass since he was six.

Most Pagosans are somewhat familiar with
Folk, Bluegrass and Newgrass music due to The Four Corners Folk
Festival, which fills Reservoir Hill every Labor Day with vans,
busses, kids, mandolins, tents, gorp and festival chairs. But unless
you are paying attention, these different styles can get a little
confusing. Here's a primer:

Bluegrass music is a traditional, American
style based on stringed, acoustic instruments. It is characterized by
a "high lonesome sound" and accompanied by fiddles, banjos and
mandolins. It was developed largely by musicians Bill Monroe and Earl
Scruggs and recently popularized in the mainstream by the film "O
Brother Where Art Thou." Alison Krauss and Union Station have also
garnered a lot of attention for their traditional Bluegrass
sound.

But like all art forms, Bluegrass was bound
to evolve based on the creativity of the diverse regional cultures
playing it. Two of Bluegrass' progeny are Newgrass and Jamgrass,
which use the same instruments but welcome elements of rock, jazz,
reggae, Irish traditional and blues.

The Pagosa Hot Strings fit the Newgrass
category. Jamgrass is also a bluegrass derivative, but features long,
Grateful Dead- and Phish-like solo instrumentals. Bands like Yonder
Mountain String Band, The String Cheese Incident and Widespread Panic
might fit this category.

Folk music, a wider more general category,
is a relative of Bluegrass as many of the same acoustic instruments
are played but just to a different tune. Bob Dylan, James Taylor and
Gillian Welch might fall in that category.

Dan Park calls The Hot Strings' career
"illustrious but brief." Park is father and uncle to Carson, Josiah
and Jared and manages the band. Up until last spring he was also the
band's bass player but decided to step down to round out the band
with a fourth young, talented face, the 22-year-old Usinowicz.

"Having the Dad in the band kind of puts a
pallor on it," Park said smiling. "It's hard for the groupies to
flock."

Seventeen years ago, Park and his wife,
Juanalee, started attending Folk and Bluegrass festivals. Juanalee,
Park said, had a deep desire to play the banjo. Upon adopting Carson,
she dedicated herself to doing it. At age six, Carson began to learn
the fiddle. Anyone who has been to Folk and Bluegrass festivals knows
that children there learn to play roughly at the time they learn to
read.

After a family tragedy, Carson's cousins
Jared and Josiah came to live with the Park family. Dan said he,
Juanalee and Carson were all immersed in traveling to Bluegrass
festivals and playing and hoped Jared and Josiah would want to as
well. As time passed, Park realized that learning the mandolin and
guitar were healing for the two boys and they mastered the
instruments quickly.

The trio of boys played their first "gig" at
the bus stop at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and made $300 doing
it. They were 9, 10 and 12 years old at the time. Four years later
they opened the show.

"They were playing well beyond their years,"
Park said.

Still, the "cute factor" was a big reason
for their invitation to play festivals that adult bands can only
dream of like Telluride and Rockygrass in Winfield, Kansas. Not only
was the band playing these festivals, but they were winning best band
awards at them. As their growing audience knows, the cute factor may
have got them in the door, but their talent kept them there.

Now, Park says, the band is on the cusp and
it's time to decide for the members to decide if their passion for
their music can fuel them on a long road in a tough industry.

"This would be the time to take the shot,"
Park said.

The band has seen a lot of change and is
continuing to grow with it. The arrival of Usinowicz on bass, Park
and the original band members say, has been seamless and good for
their creative growth. Usinowicz is classically trained on bass and
sight-reads music, whereas Park and the Payne boys play by
ear.

"With us living together," Josiah said. "We
have evenings to jam and it opens Lech up to playing by ear."

"And it gets them involved in theory," Lech
added.

Working with Flynn, one of the band's
musical heroes, was also a major highlight in their brief and
illustrious career. Usinowicz said it was a "little intimidating"
walking into the Nashville studio and seeing the Grammys and the
Platinum Album on the wall, but the band soon got over it and got to
work. Flynn's expertise and vision had a major impact on the album
and the band is eager to hear the final product.

"He really changed the songs and made them
unique," said 18-year-old Carson, who was crowned the Colorado State
Fiddle Champion at age 12.

"It's music coming from you in the most pure
and best form it can be," Josiah said about Flynn's influence.
"That's exciting."

The new album, which the band will showcase
Friday at the Fort Lewis Community Concert Hall, is a major symbol of
The Hot Strings' "coming out" and their plan to make it as
professional musicians.

In addition, the concert is also an
opportunity for the four young men to help raise funds for the
victims of the Tsunami in Southeast Asia. All the proceeds from the
event will be sent to UNICEF's Tsunami fund and will target
specifically suffering children and orphans.

As far as making the choice to play
professionally and make their mark on the music world, Josiah said,
"I can't think of anything better to do with my time."

The Pagosa Hot Strings will play Friday,
Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Fort Lewis College Concert Hall. Tickets
are $10 for general admission and $5 for FLC students. The Hot
Strings can also be heard on KSUT, 105.3 FM, at 12:30 p.m. today,
Jan. 20.

Ancient Cultures changes
classroom to arts workshop

By Paul Roberts

Special to The PREVIEW

Anyone passing by teacher Leeann Skoglund's
classroom this spring could be in for a big surprise.

Instead of students seated in orderly rows,
studying or listening to a lecture, one might catch a glimpse of
something a bit more unusual.

That's because for a few weeks each year,
sixth-grade social studies class at Pagosa Springs Intermediate
School transforms into a lively, performing arts workshop called
Ancient Cultures.

Ancient Cultures is a collaboration between
Pagosa Springs Intermediate School and Elation Center for the Arts, a
locally based nonprofit arts organization dedicated to the
preservation of the folk heritage of music and dance from around the
world.

As a component of social studies Skoglund's
class, Ancient Cultures extends the content of the curriculum by
involving the students in an exciting performing arts immersion in
which students learn music, dances and stories from several cultures
they are studying.

The arts truly have an important role in
supporting the curriculum and motivating students. According to
Skoglund, "This program goes way beyond anything you can do in the
classroom with just books and maps. By combining the arts with the
regular school program we're able to provide an incredibly valuable
learning experience."

The culmination of this innovative arts in
education program is an elaborate stage production in which all
Pagosa sixth-graders perform for the public in the high school
auditorium.

The production is a unique blend of music,
stories and dances from around the world, with over 120 students
wearing elaborate, colorful costumes. This year that performance will
take place 7 p.m. May 13.

"Students come away from this program with a
multisensory understanding of social studies," according to Mark
DeVoti, intermediate school principal. "They get a chance to relive
ancient history in a way I've never seen before. Thanks to Leeann
Skoglund, our very talented and creative social studies teacher, and
Paul and Carla Roberts, who are really helping to redefine arts in
education, students are able to take what they only used to get in
textbooks, and bring it to life."

Based on the premise that there is no better
way for students to develop a feeling for different cultures than by
experiencing many forms of artistic expression, the purpose of this
program is to provide an inspiring, creative experience for students
to develop their artistic potential and teamwork skills, as they gain
a greater appreciation for other cultures.

Community choir schedules
spring concert rehearsals

The Pagosa Springs Community Choir will
begin rehearsals Feb. 1 for the group's spring concert.

Rehearsals will be held Tuesday evenings at
Community United Methodist Church, 434 Lewis St. The first rehearsal
will begin at 6:30 p.m. to allow time to sign up and receive folders
and music.

There will be a $20 donation for the music
(which is tax deductible).

All other rehearsals will begin at 7 p.m.

Concert dates are Friday, May 6, and Sunday,
May 8, at the high school auditorium. Concerts are the choir's gift
to the community.

If you or anyone you know are interested in
singing with this group, contact Sue Kehret at 731-3858 or come to
the first rehearsal. The choir sings a variety of songs, including
old favorites, contemporary, secular, show tunes and jazz.

Rachlin specializes in photographing the
Southwest and the Four Corners area. Meet the judge, view the photos
and vote on the People's Choice award at the opening reception from
5-7 p.m.

Always looking for an opportunity to capture
unusual images, Rachlin uses unique techniques to create more
memorable photographs. He often returns to a favorite spot at
different times and seasons looking for the uncommon rather than the
standard shot. He looks for images that others might miss.

His award-winning work hangs in homes across
the country and has been published in Durango Magazine. His
photographs have been shown in many galleries and shows in the Four
Corners area.

Howard joined the "digital revolution" with
one of the early one megapixel cameras. His next digital camera was a
2.2 megapixel model with a 10x zoom and all the capability of his
film SLR. Soon after, he sold his SLR and hasn't used film since.

He relies on two different high-end digital
cameras for most of his work. He prints his photographs using an
Ultrachrome process on archival paper with an expected life of up to
75 years. This way, he has total creative control over the quality of
a print which also exhibits superior resistance to water, fading and
smudging.

Howard shares his knowledge and experience
with members of the Durango Photography Club which he formed in
February 2003. He also provides digital photography consulting and
training on a unique one-on-one, hands-on basis.

Rachlin will present a seminar 9-11 a.m.
Feb. 5 in the community center's south conference room. Cost is $5
for contest entrants, $10 for all others. Preregistration and payment
at Moonlight Books is appreciated or participants can pay at the door
the morning of the seminar.

The open discussion style seminar will
address composition, resolution settings, things to look for when
purchasing a digital camera, portable hard drives for field use,
neutral density filters and special effects.

Complete rules and submission guidelines are
available at Moonlight Books. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m.
Feb. 2 at Moonlight Books.

Music in the Mountains offers
five Pagosa programs this year

By Carole Howard

Special to The PREVIEW

Now that everyone has 2005 calendars, Music
in the Mountains wants you to save the dates for this summer's five
classical music events which will bring world-class musicians to
Pagosa Springs, include a free outdoor family community concert back
by popular demand, and feature the first-ever performance in Pagosa
of the full festival orchestra under a much larger tent seating
350.

The first event will be an elegant benefit
with a reception and concert hosted by David and Carol Brown at
BootJack Ranch in their fabulous glass-roofed Aquatic Center 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, June 25. Guests will enjoy sumptuous hors d'oeuvres on the
outdoor patio, followed by an intimate piano recital.

Attendance is limited to 125 guests. Cost is
$175 per person. Funds raised will help support classical concerts as
well as children's scholarships and musical events in Pagosa
Springs.

More classical concerts

Three additional classical concerts will
take place in July and August, also at BootJack Ranch:

1. On Friday, July 22 Pagosa welcomes
internationally famous violinist Vadim Gluzman, whose performance
will include Bruch's "Octet" at 7 p.m. Gluzman has been lauded by
critics and audiences as one of the most inspiring, dynamic artists
performing today. Cost of this concert is $40.

2. On Saturday, July 30 pianist Aviram
Reichert will perform Beethoven's piano concertos No. 3 and No. 5 at
6 p.m. with the full festival orchestra. Reichart, who has won
numerous awards and performed with major orchestras in Israel and
Europe, wowed Pagosa audiences when he played here the last two
summers. This is the first time we will have the full festival
orchestra playing in Pagosa, in a larger tent seating 350. Cost of
this concert is $50. (Note the earlier starting time and Saturday
date.)

3. On Friday, Aug. 5 Antonio Pompa-Baldi
brings his piano mastery back to Pagosa. Having performed with
orchestras around the world and in the PBS "Concerto" series, he too
was a great hit with local audiences the last two summers. His
performance at 7 p.m. will include Schumann's "Piano Quartet." Cost
of this concert is $40.

"Peter and the Wolf"

In addition, in response to popular demand
after last summer's successful event, Music in the Mountains will
host a free outdoor community concert for "kids of all ages" and
their families at Town Park 11 a.m. Thursday, July 28.

Highlight of this event will be "Peter and
the Wolf," a work created by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev to
teach his children about the symphony. Each character in the story -
Peter, his grandfather, the wolf, a cat, a bird, a duck and some
hunters - is represented by an instrument and will be acted by local
children. Last summer this concert drew almost 600 people who were
amazed at the professionalism of the young actors and the first-class
costumes designed by Michael DeWinter. Several other youth groups
also will entertain the crowd, as they did last summer.

This is the fourth consecutive summer that
Music in the Mountains, the classical music festival now in its 19th
season in Durango, will offer musical events here in Pagosa. Chairman
of the committee organizing these local events is Jan
Clinkenbeard.

"We're incredibly lucky to have first-class
musicians who have performed to rave reviews around the world come to
Pagosa to play for us," Clinkenbeard said. "Thanks to the Browns, we
will enjoy this music in a spectacular mountain setting at the foot
of Wolf Creek Pass.

Full orchestra to perform

"This summer we're especially pleased to
host the full festival orchestra. This will be a special treat for
everyone. Even with more than 50 musicians, we promise to keep the
same informal, intimate feeling that has made our concerts so special
in the past."

Clinkenbeard pointed out that there has been
a modest increase in the price of the tickets this year. Even with
the boost, she said ticket prices pay for only a small portion of the
cost of the concerts.

"That is why our benefit fund-raiser and the
contributions we receive from individual donors, businesses and other
larger organizations are so crucial to our Pagosa festival," she
said. As well, all of the planning and organizational work is done by
Clinkenbeard's local volunteer steering committee composed of Melinda
Baum, Mary Jo Coulehan, Mike and Lauri Heraty, Carole Howard, Crystal
Howe, Teresa Huft, and Bob and Lisa Scott.

For more information on the benefit, please
call co-chairs Teresa Huft at (970) 946-2988 or Maribeth Hill at
(970) 731-3234. Tickets for the paid concerts will be available April
1 at the Chamber of Commerce.

To be put on the mailing list for the
concerts and future Pagosa Music in the Mountain events, call
(970)385-6820 in Durango and specify that you want to be on the
Pagosa Springs mailing list.

Since its debut in Durango in 1987, Music in
the Mountains has grown to become one of the best summer music
festivals in the country. With 2005 being the fourth year concerts
have been held in Pagosa, community support is broadening and the
performance of the full orchestra should involve new people in the
local classical music scene.

'Living A Victorious Life'
theme for Christian Women's Retreat

The 8th annual Christian Women's Winter
Retreat will be held Feb. 4-6 at Sonlight Christian Camp near Pagosa
Springs.

The theme this year is "Living A Victorious
Life."

Featured speaker will be Peggy Joyce Ruth,
founder of Better Living Ministries, a ministry of the Living Word
Church in Brownwood, Texas, where her husband is pastor. She is a
gifted Bible teacher and author.

She will be joined by her daughter, Angelia
Schum, who with her husband pastors the college department at Living
Word Church and manages two Christian radio stations which are part
of the Living Word Church's ministry to the Brownwood area.

As mother and daughter, Peggy Joyce and
Angelia encourage and challenge women to move into a deeper
understanding of the Word of God and make it a part of their daily
living.

Kathy Koy, Pagosa Springs worship leader,
will lead music worship during the retreat.

The cost is $95, which includes two nights
lodging and five delicious meals.

Call Dori Blauert at 731-9458 or Laura
Manley at 731-4052 for further information or to register.

Cupid Classified can make your
Valentine smile

By Annette Foor

Special to The PREVIEW

Valentine's Day is just around the corner
and, if you're like many people, you're stumped on trying to find
that perfect gift, or you don't have a lot of money to spend.

The solution is right here.

Send that special someone a Cupid
Classified. For only $6 you can let your loved ones know how much you
care. A Cupid Classified is a unique and fun way to tell someone you
love them or appreciate them.

You ask, "What is a Cupid Classified"? A
Cupid Classified is an ad printed in the classified section of The
Preview of The Pagosa Springs SUN. It is a section set aside each
year and is printed the Thursday before Valentine's Day. The ad can
be poetry or prose: words from the heart, expressing your feelings. A
Cupid Classified is always the right size, it's not fattening,
doesn't wilt, can be cut out and kept indefinitely, and it expresses
your love like nothing else can.

A Cupid Classified is perfect for your
children, grandchildren, grandparents, parents, friends and your
pets. Don't forget that special neighbor who helped dig out your car
in the snow months, or brought your wandering dog home, or watches
your home while you're out of town. They deserve a Cupid Classified
of their own!

Don't delay, there are only a few weeks
before the deadline so start composing your Cupid Classified and
deliver it to The SUN office. Cost is 30 cents a word, with a minimum
of $6 per ad. The deadline for the Cupid Classifieds is noon, Monday,
Feb. 7. Forms for the Cupid Classifieds are available at The SUN, the
Humane Society Thrift Store, Humane Society Shelter and the Chamber
of Commerce. Or, simply write your special classified on a piece of
paper and bring it to The SUN office. Make your check payable to the
Humane Society of Pagosa Springs.

For many years, The Pagosa Springs SUN has
donated the space for Cupid Classifieds and also donates all proceeds
to the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs toward our community
spay/neuter programs. That means your Cupid Classified will bring you
benefits twice over: first when your loved ones read it, and again
when it helps to prevent unwanted litters in our community.

For more information about community
spay/neuter aid, contact Sheila Farmer at 731-4771. Or log onto the
Humane Society Web site at www.humanesocietyof
pagosasprings.org.

Kiwanis' guest will address
'Child Sexual Abuse: The Quiet Threat'

Pagosa Springs Kiwanis will present "Child
Sexual Abuse: The Quiet Threat," a lecture by Lisa Car- man, and a
spaghetti supper Jan. 28 at the Pagosa Springs Community
Center.

Doors open 5 p.m. Dinner will be served
5:30-7 and Carman will speak 7-8 p.m. Child care will be
provided.

Carman shares her family's compelling story
and helps others under stand the shocking facts about child sexual
abuse and what we can do to protect children.

Learn how to:

- recognize the behaviors and manipulations
of sex offenders;

- talk to children about the threat of
sexual abuse;

- provide children with self-safety
strategies;

- take the power away from sexual
predators.

Talking about child sexual abuse is the
first defense against sex offenders. It's time to talk.

For reservations, call Carolyn Church at
731-6338 days or 264-6465 evenings.

Healthy growth for Pagosa is
Unitarian topic

On Sunday, Jan. 23, Laura Lewis, executive
director of Operation Healthy Communities, will present a program for
the Pagosah Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on healthy growth in
Pagosa Springs.

She will explore measures to assure that
sustainability becomes an integral part of growth.

The service and children's program will
begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship's new permanent home in Unit
15, Greenbriar Plaza. Turn east on Greenbriar Drive off of North
Pagosa by the fire station, then left into the parking lot and look
for the big sign. As always, all are welcome.

Pagosans will soon be treated to an evening
of wholesome and hilarious family fun on the basketball court - the
internationally-known Harlem Ambassadors.

Last year's event was the highlight of the
winter season and a major fund-raiser for the community center, which
sponsored the event. The Ambassadors will challenge our local team,
the Pagosa Ringers, Sunday, Feb. 13, in the high school gym.

For the past five years, in 200 games a
year, the Harlem Ambassadors have played their magic around the
country and internationally to help raise funds for nonprofit
organizations. In addition to the fun, the group also seeks to foster
racial harmony and promote the values of staying in school and off
drugs.

The team is coached by Ketrick Copeland and
led by a new Show Basketball Princess, Krataura Buckner. During the
2002-2003 season Krataura led the Cowgirls of Hardin Simmons
University in Texas to an ASCU title.

This native of Wichita Falls, Texas then
went on to be the student assistant coach during the next season. The
Harlem Ambassadors had been watching KB (as she is known by) and in
2004 asked her to join the team.

When asked if featuring a woman player was a
bold move, Dale Moss, president and general manager of the Harlem
Ambassadors, replied, "Actually, it wasn't bold at all. The women
show players are one of the things that make our presentation unique.
The woman show player is the player who initiates the comedy
routines, goofs with the other team, annoys the referee and interacts
with the fans. Of course, one of the oldest forms of humor is joking
about the differences between men and women. Having a woman at the
middle of all of the fun creates an entirely different comedy
dynamic. Plus, because our games are competitive, girls and young
women get to see our women players competing against, and beating
male opponents. It has a great empowering effect on the girls in the
audience when they see a woman taking control on the court."

The Harlem Ambassadors are consistently
judged as younger, fresher and happier than some better known shows,
which supports their motto, "it's not your grandfather's basketball
show." Ask anyone who saw the event last year and they will tell you
that this is not to be missed.

Between now and Feb. 13 the community center
will be seeking event sponsors. For $100 sponsors will be included in
subsequent press releases, will be treated to special seating at the
event and will have the satisfaction of knowing they helped to bring
a very popular event to Pagosa Springs.

At the same time, the local team sponsors,
Buckskin Towing and Troy Ross Construction, will be selecting and
training our own Pagosa team, the Pagosa Ringers.

Watch for details of this event weekly and
for more information, call the community center at 264-4152.

Local Chatter

How Sisson Library got where it
is now

By Kate Terry

SUN Columnist

Many people have said, "Lenore Bright is the
Ruby Sisson Library." And now that she has retired, I think that
people who don't know would like to know the history of the Sisson
Library.

This Local Chatter column was written Feb.
4, 1999. It covers some points of the history.

"The idea for a new library began in 1983
when the Pagosa Springs High School was modernized and its library, a
wooden building, was given to the town for a 'new' library. A grant
was applied for and the building was moved to Town Park. Because head
librarian Pat Pool and her sons had decided to move to Denver, Lenore
Bright was hired as assistant librarian and fund raiser for the 'new'
library. Pat got the first job she applied for and Lenore was
promoted to head librarian. About this time the insurance company
refused to insure the building because it was in the flood zone, so
the grant was refused. The issue was dead, but Lenore and the board
decided to revamp the existing facility. Gil Bright (Lenore's
husband) headed up the physical part of the job. He and Lenore called
on their friends and neighbors and revamp they did.

"But it was becoming evident that the
library was out-growing Town Hall (and that Town Hall needed more
room) so Lenore and the board began to 'dream.' The Sisson Library is
the result - funded by donations, fund-raisers and grants. Neither
the town, nor the county contributed any money. But the real heroes
are Lenore and Gil Bright for without their strength, courage and
ability, the library would not be."

The move to the new Ruby Sisson Library was
made during a snowstorm in 1989, but the volunteers persisted. The
library soon began to win awards. It was a beautiful example of what
a library should be.

Sports report

If you are a basketball fan, you should like
this story. Last Friday Wake Forest University beat North Carolina
University in basketball. Wake's team's main weakness has been a 65
percent free throw average, but in Friday's game they made history.
They had a go at 32 foul shots and made every one of them. This makes
it the ACC record. The NCAA record is 34 of 34.

Around town

Diana and Jerry Martinez are now back in
Pagosa Springs. They are in the telephone book. Diana was
instrumental in raising money to build the Sisson Library. The first
fund-raiser was at Milt Lewis' Wagon Wheel Art Studio. She was one of
the early presidents of the Friends of the Library and the one who
started the Good Neighbor lunches sponsored by the friends. And Jerry
was a county commissioner.

Fun on the run

Sarah was reading a newspaper while her
husband was engrossed in a magazine.

Suddenly, she burst out laughing.

"Listen to this," she said. "There's a
classified ad here where a guy is offering to swap his wife for a
season ticket to the stadium."

After completing his doctorate at Boston University with a
dissertation on the thought of Paul Tillich and Henry Nelson Wieman
(one of my teachers), in 1959 Martin Luther King went to India and
talked with Gandhi's followers, including Prime Minister Nehru, "not
as a tourist, but as a pilgrim."

King, whose civil rights movement began in 1955 and ended with his
murder in 1968, wrote, "While the Montgomery boycott was going on,
India's Gandhi was the guiding light of our technique of non-violent
social change."

When King was 6 years old, Gandhi said, "It may be through the
Negroes that the unadulterated message of non-violence will be
delivered to the world."

In tracing this history, we discover the irony that Gandhi himself
claimed his Hinduism only after being stirred by the writings of a
Christian, Leo Tolstoy. As Wilfred Cantwell Smith has shown, Tolstoy
himself was converted to non-violence and social service by the
Christian story of Barlaam and Josaphat, a retelling of an earlier
story from a Muslim source, which in turn received it from the
Manichees, who had recast the story of the Buddha, successively
called Bodisaf, Yudasaf, and Josaphat. And earlier versions suggest
Jain or other beginnings. Thus our celebration of King's wisdom has
ancient and universal origins.

Just as Gandhi matured in Hinduism by discovering Christianity,
King was strengthened in Christian love by respectful study of the
Hindu. King remained Christian. Gandhi remained Hindu. Conversion was
unnecessary because they stretched and enlarged their own faiths. Our
encounters with those of other religions may lead us to deeper powers
of our own heritage, which is really an intertwined, universal story,
as King's example shows us.

Here is the gist of Gandhi's satyagraha, "truth-force:"

- Make no distinction between process and goal. Tactics used must
exhibit in the present the spiritual nature of the future goal.

- Lack of involvement betrays community.

- See the truth in one's opponent and the demonic potentials in
one's own position.

- We must be as pure as we ask others to be.

- The process, the community, is not complete until wholeness is
restored among all "adversaries." The goal is to be at peace both
with others and with ourselves.

In his famous "Letter from Birmingham City Jail," King outlines
four steps of a non-violent campaign:

- collecting facts to determine whether injustices exist;

- negotiation;

- self-purification;

- direct action.

The "means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek." This is
why those engaged in direct action were repeatedly asked, "Are you
able to accept blows without retaliating? Are you able to endure the
ordeals of jail?" and so forth.

One of the most interesting applications of the Gandhi-King
understanding of community is found in the work of a former writer
for Jerry Falwell, Mel White, who has since acknowledged his male
partner. (See http://www.soulforce.org.) White lists five
"soul-force" vows:

To seek the truth, to live by the truth, and to confront untruth
wherever I find it,

To reject violence,

To take on myself without complaint any suffering that might
result from my confrontation with untruth and to do all in my power
to help my adversary avoid all suffering, especially that suffering
that may result from our confrontation.

To control my appetite for food, sex, intoxicants, entertainment,
position, and power that my best self might be free in doing justice,
and

To limit my possessions to those things I need to survive, using
them to help make things fair for all.

Many injustices around us damage and degrade community - in our
town, in the nation, in the world. The "Beloved Community" Kin
envisioned is still to be realized. The Beloved Community is made not
by protecting ourselves at all costs from injustices around us or by
blaming others for them, but by helping to make them visible in such
ways as to affirm our relatedness even to those who do injustice, and
to pull them with ourselves into a more just world.

The encounters we have with those of other religions may lead us
to hidden powers of our own heritage, which is really an intertwined,
universal story. As King's example shows us, an encounter with
another faith can stimulate and deepen our own. If the only religion
you know is your own, you don't really know it at all. The Christian
may become a better Christian, the Jew a better Jew, the Buddhist a
better Buddhist, by recognizing and embracing the difference
expressed within our common humanity, sharing the planet's fate.

King, Gandhi, and Pandurang Athavale married Asian and Abrahamic
themes. CRES works to integrate their vision with insights of Prima
faiths. As the physicists move toward a single comprehensive
explanation that unites gravity, the electromagnetic force, and the
weak and strong nuclear forces, so a spiritual "theory of everything"
honoring the sacred in nature, self-hood, and society is the search
CRES hopes to excite.

Building community - with the environment, within the many
"selves" in each of us, and with one another" - is a profound
response to the gift of life we enjoy. The wisdom of responding to
duty as an act of friendly playfulness may be the secret of unending
bliss.

Senior News

Time to donate blood, renew
memberships

By Laura Bedard

SUN Columnist

We were pleased to have Jessica Walsh here
Jan. 12. She played her Native American flute for us while we ate
lunch and answered questions about the many instruments she played.

Everyone was very enthusiastic about Jessica
coming back, so keep reading the Senior News to find out when she
will return.

It's time to donate blood again. We will host a blood drive at the community center 10:30 a.m -2 p.m. Feb. 1. Call 264-2167 to sign up.

We are showing our free movie Jan. 21 at 1
p.m. It's "Cocoon," a wonderful movie about older folks who discover
a way to be young again. Popcorn is only 25 cents.

Dee Butler will be here Jan. 26 from 12:30
to 1 p.m. to present "Healthy Habit" for hair, skin and nails. She
will talk about the importance of diet, positive lifestyle and show
us hair and makeup techniques. Be sure to attend this
presentation.

We will be celebrating January birthdays on
the 28th. If you have a birthday this month, come in and have lunch
with us; we will serve cake with the meal and give you a birthday
card. We have a special gift for you from Archuleta Seniors, Inc.
Those of you who celebrate a birthday in January will only pay a
dollar for your meal. We will also have Patty Tillerson here to check
your blood pressure 11 a.m.-noon Friday so come in, check your
pressure and eat cake with us.

Renew membership

Get your 2005 Archuleta Seniors, Inc.
membership in January to take advantage of all the great discounts
provided by local businesses for only $3 a year.

You need to be 55 years old or older to be a
member and we will have volunteers here to help sign you up 10:30
a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Call during the second two weeks for
membership hours.

Membership is not required to participate in
the lunch program or any of the activities offered at the Den.

Every year in the U.S. hospitals admit more
than 300,000 people for hip fractures.

These hip fractures are often caused by
falling. Improving your balance can help to reduce your risk of
falling and, consequently, reduce your risk of fracturing your hip.
Strength and balance exercises are often very similar, because
strength and balance are closely related. Doing regular strength
exercises will also help to improve your balance. Try the tips below
next time you exercise to help increase your balance at the same
time.

Usually, standing exercises require you to
hold on to a table or a chair with both hands for balance. Next time
try holding the chair or table with only one hand. After you progress
and feel comfortable holding on with only one hand, try to hold on
only using one finger. Next, try these exercises without holding on
at all. Even if you do not hold on at all, make sure the table or
chair is close by to grab if you lose your balance.

Another way to improve your balance is to do
"anytime, anywhere" exercises. For example, while standing in line at
the grocery store, or waiting for the bus, practice standing on one
foot. Then alternate and practice standing on your other foot. Keep
track of how long you can stand on one foot without losing your
balance. As you feel more comfortable standing on one foot, try to
increase the length of time you can stand on one foot, and then the
other foot.

These exercises are great because you can do
them as often as you like. Also, the more often you practice balance
exercises, the more your balance will improve and your chance of
falling will decrease. Another plus to these exercises is that
usually when you are in line somewhere, there is a counter or sign
pole close by, so you can grab it if you start to feel yourself
losing your balance.

I hope everyone is ready for a great Mardi
Gras party Saturday. However, before we talk about Mardi Gras, I need
to impart a thank you to a very special person.

I know a shock wave went through the
community when Lenore Bright announced her retirement from the Ruby
Sisson Library. I also know what it is like to replace an icon. The
great thing about the icons who are vacating these important
positions is why they are icons. People such as Sally Hameister and
Lenore Bright are such dynamic women, each in her own way. They have
put heart and soul and passion into their jobs to make our community
a better place. They worked selflessly, instituted programs and
established guidelines to make someone like me look good.

Lenore Bright is one of the most generous,
organized and trusting persons I have known. She developed our
library from a tiny facility to where it is now and it is soon to be
more. She brought us into the computer age, found ways to raise money
to keep improving the library and easily doubled her core of
volunteers. You can never replace Lenore Bright, but someone will
follow her and do well because she, in her generosity, has set them
up to do a good job.

We will miss you Lenore. Thank you for all
you have done for Pagosa Springs and the services that you, your
staff, and your volunteers provide to all who live and visit here.

Mardi Gras

Now back to the festivities at hand.
Boudreaux and Thibodaux have worked hard all week putting all the
finishing touches on Saturday's Mardi Gras Ball at The Pagosa Lodge.
However, they do have to head back to Louisiana for their own Mardi
Gras festivities soon. Their tradition is such that they will go door
to door and collect food from all the neighbors and make a wonderful
gumbo that everyone will then share. What a great idea. We will just
gather 'round and eat, no preparation necessary.

The Chamber's Annual Meeting/Mardi Gras Ball
will start at 6 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are available at the Chamber
for $25 in advance. Cash, checks, or MC/Visa is acceptable for
tickets purchased at the Chamber. They will be $30 at the door the
day of the event.

Boudreaux made sure there would be chicken
and sausage gumbo, crab cakes, fried catfish and more for your eating
pleasure.

Thibodaux had Trudy at the Lodge make some
wonderful pralines and lemon bars, and Kathy Keyes at Pagosa Baking
has been busy dyeing sugar to put on the King cake. Remember, one
piece of the King cake has a toy baby in it giving the recipient one
year's free membership to the Chamber.

While costumes are not required, they can be
lots of fun and have we had some zany ones in the past. A prize will
be given to the best male and female costume. We will be handing out
beads and masks at the door in case you can't bring your own.

The meeting part of the festivities will
also be fun - not your typical meeting. We will be say good-bye to
three board members: Sally Hovatter, Bob Eggleston, and Don McKeehan.
We will announce the Citizen of the Year and the Volunteer of the
Year, the Pagosa Pride recipients, and give one or two special
awards. Upon registering at the door, you will be voting for three
incoming board members. There is only one vote per business, and we
do keep track of your votes.

Candidates for incoming board positions are:
Jody Cromwell, Robin Auld, Mike Branch, Judy James, Joe Steele and
Don McKeehan. Your vote is very important, so if you cannot attend
the function, come by the Chamber and cast your vote for three of
these wonderful candidates.

You can end the evening Saturday by moving
just down the road to Montezuma's Restaurant where dancing to the
Dutton Ditch Blues Band begins at 9 p.m. and anyone attending the
Chamber meeting will be given a 20-percent discount on all drinks. It
will be a fun-filled Saturday night.

Planning future
events

Here are a few more events you need to be
planning for (who said there is nothing to do in Pagosa?).

Winterfest: Feb. 12-13

We actually have some snow this year and are
going to try to add more events to our Winterfest calendar.

Rumor has it we may have close to 50
balloonists attending this year's Reach for the Peaks rally. If you
are interested in crewing for a balloonist, show up at the launch
site behind the Pagosa Lodge on either day at 8 a.m. It is lots of
fun and the crews are great. If you would like to be a sponsor,
contact Liz Marchand at 946-2859.

On Saturday, Feb. 12 around dusk (5:30 -6
p.m.) there will be a balloon glow behind the Pagosa Lodge. If you
have never been to a glow, it is a must. Of course, the glow is
contingent on weather conditions.

Sponsors so far this year are KFC and Taco
Bell, and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Thank you for
your generosity. Since the glow will take place on the west side of
town, make an evening of it by planning dinner afterward at one of
our fabulous westside restaurants.

Saturday, Feb. 12 during the day, we will
resurrect the snow sculpting contest in Town Park and there will be
cash prizes for the "Best Group" and "Best Individual" entries. The
entry fee for this event is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the
event. Sculpting will begin at 10 a.m. and judging will begin at 3
p.m.

Then, Sunday, we will have the "Almost
Anything Goes Downhill Sled Race." Once again our great sponsors at
Best Value Inn/High Country Lodge will host the event at their
location on U.S. 160 East. They will provide hot dogs, hamburgers and
beverages for all attending. Your sled must be homemade, no
store-bought sleds or inner tubes. The entry fee is $15 in advance
and $25 the day of the race. You must also have brakes on your sled.
There will be cash prizes for "Fastest Sled" and " Most Original
Sled." Racing should begin around noon.

More events are being planned for this
festival and you will see information in the weeks to come.

Members, renewals

We are so lucky to continue to have new
members join us every week and to have so many renewals come back on
board. Here are this week's additions.

We have new member Jeff Bouwer, an
independent associate with Pre-Paid Legal Services. He offers a
prepaid legal membership that helps you prepare for the legal
services you need most as well as offering an identity theft shield.
There are also services monitoring your credit report. For more
informational, Jeff can be contacted at 731-9828.

Another business, joining us from Creede, is
Continental Divide Services, Inc. Moira or Don Howard offer
year-round fun with Jeep, ATV, and snowmobile rentals and tours. They
offer lodging and package discounts. With hundreds of miles of trails
available, you may want to take a weekend getaway to Creede. So far
away, yet so close. Give them a call at 719-658-2682.

Joining the ranks of Chamber members is
Isabel's Restaurant with Yale Espoy at the helm. Isabel's is at the
corner of Village Drive. and North Pagosa Boulevard. They serve
eclectic American cuisine from 5 to 9 p.m. daily except Sundays, with
a wonderful seasonal menu (the wedge with blue cheese is one of my
favorites), a full service bar, martini and wine lists and outdoor
dining when the weather cooperates. Intimate dining or parties are
available and serviced beautifully. Give them a call to reserve some
space (Valentine's Day is coming up) at 731-5448.

Renewing this week is Village
Interiors/Carpet One and Pagosa Ski Rental. Also renewing is board
candidate and businessman, Joe Steele.

Another out-of-town agency rejoins us this
week, Durango Credit and Collection.

Veteran's
Corner

Make sure health care status is
up to date

Andy Fautheree

SUN Comumnist

The New Year is a good time to think about
maintaining your VA health care status.

Preventative
medicine

Perhaps you are feeling fine, haven't felt a
need to make a VA health care appointment for some time. It's easy to
put aside our health needs when we are feeling good and have no
current medical issues. But as the adage goes, preventative medicine
is the best cure (or something like that).

Anyway, I urge all of my fellow veterans to
make an appointment with the VA for a annual physical if you haven't
had one in more than a year. The doctors can often detect something
you might not be aware of, that could head off bigger health problems
down the road.

Maintain eligibility

It is important to maintain your current
patient status with the VA health care system. If you do not use it
for several years, you could be dropped from active patient status,
and may have to reapply under new rules. Or, it may be difficult to
get into the VA clinic you want because they have a full patient
load. That happened a couple of years ago with the Farmington VA
Clinic and we had to scramble to get new applicants into other
clinics. Luckily, the Durango VA Clinic finally opened to relieve the
pressure.

Grandfathered status

Generally speaking, I have not found any
patient to be dropped from the VA health care system because they did
not continue to use the service. Once enrolled a veteran is
"grandfathered" into the VA system. However, I have been told there
is a remote chance under certain conditions a grandfathered veteran
could be dropped, but the rules appear to be varied and vague at this
time. If a veteran was ever dropped from the system, he would then be
required to reapply under the Jan. 17, 2003, guidelines, which have
income and asset limitations, if the veteran does not have any
service-connected disabilities.

How to transfer

I'm often asked how to transfer to the local
(Durango) clinic. All you need to do is call the Durango Clinic,
247-2214, and request to transfer to their location. All of the VA
clinics are on a common computer data base and they will find you in
the system and make the necessary changes to the VA.

Means test important

A reminder also to be sure and complete a VA
financial Means Test each year. This ensures uninterrupted
appointment scheduling. Failure to provide this information for most
veterans could result in denial of VA health care services until it
is completed.

The Means Test requires previous year's
income from all sources for you and your family, out-of-pocket
medical expenses that can include medical and dental, prescription
drugs, supplemental health insurance premiums and any other medical
costs that were not paid for by any other source. Cash assets such as
bank account balances and investments, secondary property ownership
and the like are also required. The only enrollees not required to
provide this information is those with 50 percent or more service
connected disability.

Share-A-Ride

Don't forget to call or stop by my office
with your VA health care appointments for the "Share-A-Ride program.
Help a fellow veteran who may be going in the same direction to the
same VA facility. Give me a call if you can provide transportation or
need transportation. I will keep a calendar of who is going where to
coordinate this important program.

For information on these and other veterans'
benefits please call or stop by the Archuleta County Veterans Service
Office on the lower floor of the county courthouse. The office number
is 264-8375, fax 264-8376, e-mail afautheree@archuletacounty.org. The
office is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, Friday by
appointment. Bring your DD Form 214 (discharge) for registration with
the county, application for VA programs, and for filing in the VSO
office.

Library News

'Someday' is no longer vague;
salute to Lenore planned

By Lenore Bright

SUN Comumnist

"Someday ..."

A vague term, isn't it?

We think about things that will happen
"someday," just not right now.

"Someday" is when we at the library thought
Lenore would retire. We knew it would happen. She had alluded to it
every now and then.

When she told us Jan. 3, "I am going to
retire ..." we were thinking, "OK Š after groundbreaking ... or after
the new building is completed."

But when she finished her sentence with "and
this is my two-week notice," our thoughts quickly turned to our own
needs. For a short period of time we lost track of Lenore's point of
view and her needs.

Just think, she's been looking out for
Archuleta County residents and our library needs since 1980. That's
roughly a third of her lifetime! She's done this with sincerity,
humor, grace, love and devotion.

We ask, "Where would our library system be
without her continued guidance and influence?" We all know the answer
to that.

Anyway, it's time for Lenore (and let's not
forget Gil) to move on to another well-deserved phase of their lives
- to sit on the deck and enjoy the wildlife and beauty of Pagosa; to
pick up the quilting project; to play more bridge; to go fishing; to
read more books without feeling rushed; to do all those "someday"
things,

When we worried about picking up the slack
(and we all know there will be a lot of it) and managing all the
details until a new director is place, she said in her confident
manner, "You'll be fine."

And we will! Lenore has taught us well. She
leaves us secure in the knowledge that we have indeed been fortunate
to work with and learn from a lady we all love and admire.

So, when she quietly slipped out the back
door last Thursday afternoon (when she probably thought none of us
were looking) we thought to ourselves, "You're not getting away that
easily." Plans are underway for a communitywide retirement party to
be held in late February. Details will follow and you are all
invited.

Winter driving

A thought has been on the minds of many
since the recent snowstorms. What to do? What not to do?

We thank Bob Woodson for his donation of a
timely video on this subject: "Driving Snow: The Keys to Winter
Driving."

It is available for you to check out and
view. And, while you are waiting for your turn for the video,
remember to use caution and allow yourself plenty of time to get
where you are going.

Tsunami relief

Efforts on behalf of the tsunami victims
have also been in our thoughts.

In response to the tremendous needs of those
whose lives have been devastated, Sisson Library is joining other
Colorado libraries and the Red Cross to make a donation.

For the week of Jan. 24-30, all fines
collected from those with late/overdue materials (and any other
monetary donations you wish to make) will be donated to this effort.
A separate article on this effort is in today's SUN. Please return
your books, pay your fines and support this worthwhile cause.

With winter setting in, are you
looking for a way to spend your time indoors?

The Archuleta County Education
Center has a number of indoor activities lined up for January and
February. If you have a fifth- or sixth-grade student who is working
on their science project for the upcoming science fair, but needs a
little help, we are offering a class just for them.

Students can get help with their
research and project, gather material for their display or construct
their exhibit display. This class will be held 1:30-5 p.m. Friday.
There is no charge for this activity.

Cooking is a fun way for your
children to learn about other cultures around the world. Our upcoming
Cooking Around the World class for fourth- through ninth-graders is
sure to be a winner as kids learn to prepare different recipes for
foods from far away lands. This class is scheduled Friday afternoon,
Jan. 28, with a $5 fee.

Do you need first aid and/or CPR
training for your work or leisure? Is your certification about to
expire? The Education Center is offering training classes on a
variety of dates and times to allow all of those interested to
participate.

We have four-hour evening sessions
Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 25 and 26 and again on Wednesday and
Thursday, March 2 and 3. If you prefer full day sessions or weekends,
we are offering eight-hour classes on Saturdays, Feb. 12 and March
12.

For elementary age students, we
are offering a variety of after-school activities in January and
February. These classes include Spanish for Kids, Kids in the
Kitchen, Art Projects, Creations and our Fun Friday Afternoon. These
classes run 3:15-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 1:15-5 p.m.
Fridays.

The Education Center also offers
adult education classes such as English Language for Non-English
speakers or GED classes for those seeking to complete or further
their education.

The Education Center is also the
place to come for a wide variety of computer classes. We offer
classes in many of the necessary software applications used in
business today. So, if you want to learn or expand your skills, we
have the class for you.

Don't let yourself become
snowbound this winter. This is an excellent time for you or your
children to learn something new or expand your horizons. Call the
Archuleta County Education Center at (970) 264-2835 or stop by our
office at 4th and Lewis streets for more information.

Arts Line

Twenty-nine educated in art of
Italian cooking

By Kayla Douglass

PREVIEW Columnist

The Colorado Sky was cerulean blue, the
vistas were breathtaking with snow-capped mountains in a panoramic
view.

Bear Mountain Ranch, Fran Jenkins' kitchen,
was the setting for the Pagosa Springs Arts Council's Art of Italian
Cooking. Twenty-nine people were served a menu that took three hours
to prepare.

Class evaluations included "Wonderful in
every way," "I loved this class," "What fun!" and, "It was a total
experience."

The Art of Italian Cooking was the second in
a series of "Art of Cooking classes." The first was the Art of French
Cooking. Both of the first two classes sold out. The next class will
be the Art of Thai Cooking, with the date to be determined.

The classes are a fund-raiser for the Pagosa
Springs Arts Council and the teachers and helpers volunteered their
time.

From the PSAC board of directors a very
special thanks to all.

Betty Slade workshops

Local artist Betty Slade has four workshops
scheduled this spring. The first will be a three- day intermediate
watercolor workshop in March.

Slade is an artist in the true sense. She
began working in oils in 1965, then pursued watercolors, acrylic and
pastels. Beginning with art classes at New Mexico State University,
Betty continued with private instruction with some of the finest
artists in the Southwest.

With 40 years in the art arena, Betty has
attained success in many areas. Betty has written and published
several books, note cards and prints. She has 10 years experience
owning and managing art galleries. Currently she manages her own
firm, The Hi Slade Publishing Company.

A 30-minute television daily program, "The
Colors of his Heart" was designed to teach the word of God through
her art. It shows her love for the Bible and the arts. Her southwest
"Women of the Wind" series in originals and prints is well known, is
seen on the Princess Cruise Line and hangs in many private
collections.

Betty and her husband, Al, run the Blanco
Dove Center for artists and writers. Anyone interested in seeing
Betty's work or staying at the Blanco Dove may contact her at
bslade2@pagosa.net.

Betty desires to share her knowledge and
stir the artist heart in others. Whoever enters her personal world
will have their creative awareness heightened and will be gently
encouraged to exercise the gift that lies deep within their
soul.

Contact PSAC at 264-5020 to sign up for her
workshops. Dates, times and fees are listed below in the calendar
section.

Drawing with Davis

Drawing with Randall Davis is scheduled 9
a.m. Saturday at the community center. If you have never attended one
of his classes, it's a treat to see what you can produce in a day
under his guidance.

This class is for those who think they can't
even draw a stick figure, as well as for those who have been drawing
for years. All you need to bring is a note pad, a couple of drawing
pencils; preferably a mid-range No. 2 or No. 3 in a bold lead and in
a hard lead, an attitude to enjoy the day, lunch and, in my case, an
eraser.

It's best to make a reservation through
PSAC, 264-5020. Space allowing; walk-ins are welcome.

Photo contest

There's something for everyone in the annual
PSAC photo contest: cute kittens, a fun family photo or the grand
landscape. And a category for every contestant.

With a submission deadline of 5 p.m. Feb. 2,
it's not too early to begin preparing prints. A generous list of
categories ensures you have a photo to submit to this annual contest.
Categories are: domestic animals, architecture, autumn scenic,
general landscape, patterns/textures, sports, flora, people, up
close, winter scenic, black and white, wild animals, sunrise/sunset,
special techniques (any type of manipulation), open (any picture that
doesn't fit other categories).

Any photo has a chance for a ribbon. It
doesn't matter if it's a simple matted print or an elaborately
framed, large enlargement. Judges look at the overall impact of the
photo.

Each exhibitor may submit a total of three
photos, but no more than two in a single category. Contest rules and
information are available at Moonlight Books and at Mountain
Snapshots.

The opening reception is scheduled 5-7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 5. The annual reception has turned into quite a social
event, so put the date on your calendar now

Contemporary artist

Are you a contemporary artist? Do you want
to get together with other contemporary artists for exhibitions,
performances, happenings and educational events?

If you want to display your artwork, call
Chrissy Moiseve at 884-2222. She will fax you an art display request
form, will discuss their requirements and answer your questions.

Artwork is displayed for two months. The
artwork to be displayed the months of March and April must be
received no later than Feb. 28. Artwork displayed may be available
for sale, and while the library staff members are not involved in the
sale of artwork, they will refer queries about the purchase of
artwork to the artist. There is no fee charged to artists.

This project encourages the artistic and
cultural interest of the community by providing a showcase for local
artists.

FLC workshops

Fort Lewis College office of Extended
Studies is offering classes this winter. Contact the office for more
information at 247-7385 or e-mail extstudy@fortlewis.edu. Below is a
list of some of the classes:

- Marketing on the Cheap: How Small
Businesses Cut Costs by Writing Their Own Promotions, Jan. 22, and
Feb. 12

- Grant Writing, Jan. 22

- Expressive Writing, Jan. 25-March
15

- Fiction Writing, Jan. 25-March 15

- Writing Personal Essays, Feb. 7-March
14.

PSAC Calendar

All PSAC classes and workshops are held in
the arts and craft space at the community center, unless otherwise
noted.

April 14-15 - Oil painting, "Nuts and Bolts
Two," with Betty Slade, critiquing work from March class and new
paintings, $80 per student.

May 12-13 - Oil painting, "Nuts and Bolts
& More," with Betty Slade, continuing work in progress, learning
more painting techniques and beginning new paintings, $80 per
student.

June 23 - PSAC annual meeting.

July 24 - PSAC Home and Garden Tour.

PSAC supports all art activities in Pagosa.
For inclusion in Arts line, send information to PSAC e-mail
(psac@centurytel.net). We would love to hear from you regarding
suggestions for Arts line. Events in surrounding areas will be
included when deemed of interest to our readers.

Food for
Thought

A depressing trip to the
archives, knee deep in debris

By Karl Isberg

Staff Writer

Naw, I didn't write that. Not me.

Someone must have hacked into my computer
and altered my files.

There's no way I could have produced this;
it reminds me of an entry in a mental patient's diary.

Dear heavens, what was I thinking?

Wow, I'm surprised I wasn't fired for
writing this one.

This is an embarrassment and, moreover, it
was trotted in a public forum - printed in a newspaper.

Do they still ride people out of town on a
rail? If so, would someone check my backside for rail marks?

There should be some kind of protection from
stuff like this - a professional writers' organization that polices
the industry and acts in the public interest to prevent someone from
publishing this kind of crap.

I'm reviewing my old columns, written for
The SUN.

I've penned more than 500 of them.

Reading them is painful.

That's a problem with printing what you
write: you produce an archive, a record of the abuses drifting in
your wake.

I'm on Day 14 of reading old columns,
confronting evidence at the scene of the crimes.

I mean, really, there's no way I devised a
method for doing quadratic equations that involves crudely drawn
cartoon characters. Is there?

And my design for uniforms for property
owners association covenant control inspectors? Wasn't the reference
to National Socialism and Himmler a bit much?

Being aroused by female competitors in a
lumberjack competition is pathetic, but telling everyone about it?
And the roller derby fixation, the Manichean reference, the Ode to
Spandex - was that necessary?

Taunting phone solicitors in the days before
the No-Call law? Was Nafisa really bothering me that much? Why
belittle a single mother of two in Baltimore, trying to eke out a
meager living with late-night work in a fetid boilerroom?

Inventing a weird illegal-alien spy for a
devious foreign government named Ping and putting him in our back
yard, reporting to his Khan about our eccentricities? What's that all
about?

Writing a "Year in Review" column that
reviewed the year ahead? Lashing out in libelous fashion against
upright citizens of Siberia with a View? Shame on me.

What was I up to when I attempted to extort
an industrial-size drum of rice pudding from the Kozy Shack
corporation - a fine New Jersey business? They never harmed
anyone.

I've extolled the virtues of street food
while bragging shamelessly about extraordinarily expensive dinners at
fabulous restaurants. What a thoughtless buffoon.

I thumbed my nose at readers, gloating about
exotic establishments in far-off places, about menus that stagger the
imagination, hammering away with exaggerations, rendering fact
flexible.

Talk about arrogance: Coming up with a Top
10 of eating experiences and selecting No. 1 as macaroni and cheese
simply because I enjoyed a mess of the divinely inspired carbo and
fat concoction while viewing "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

Who really cares about German pants?

Who needs a graphic description of the awful
effects of a nasty virus when reading about pork tenderloin?

All this reflects on a basic question: What
the heck do most of the things in these columns have to do with
food?

What does Nietzsche have to do with food?
The guy was infected with a monstrous STD and confined his dining
thrills to consomme and crackers.

The Human Genome Project, insane theories
about a lab beneath Archuleta Mesa where mutants run wild on Level 7
Š and food?

What, exactly, is the connection between a
Studebaker Golden Hawk and lobster thermidor? I'll tell you: There
isn't one.

I get increasingly distressed, the more of
my old columns I read.

It doesn't help that I'm drinking a cheap
but juicy Bonny Doon blend as I scan the files. Three glasses into
today's project, I struggle to remember why I'm reading this
junk.

Oh, yeah, I recall now - I'm trying to put
together a book of food writing.

Ego has the best of me, as usual. I've taken
a single, incidental comment made by a stranger and blown it totally
out of proportion. I have a tendency to do that.

I bump into the guy at the grocery
store.

"Say, aren't you Kraft Tisbrag?"

"Yes, I imagine I am. You can call me
Kraft."

"Love that stuff you write with the recipes
in it. It's usually real close to the want ads in the paper, and I
read those ads every week. Heck, you oughta be a writer. You ever
write a book?"

"Me no write a book, ever."

"Well, you oughta. Somebody would probably
buy one."

To a precariously balanced soul like me, a
trivial exchange like this quickly inflates to a demand that I
satisfy a global hunger for my work.

So, I'm reviewing material.

Dear heavens, this is sad.

I open another file. Therein I find myself
setting a musical program for my funeral then, with no tangible
bridge, crossing into a poorly composed recipe for Chicken
Marengo.

I open another file. Utter pretense.
Overblown, self-important crud gilded with Latin aphorisms. (There is
one I treasure, though, since it applies to the health and food
Nazis: Qui Medice vivat, misere vivat. Very roughly translated: To
live for the doctor is no life at all.)

I can't grasp the relationship between Jimi
Hendrix's "The Wind Cries Mary" and a bay scallop quiche. No doubt I
thought there was one when I wrote the piece.

These are the ravings of a dimwit and I
don't resent any of you who have shamed me for the trees that have
died, needlessly, so drivel like mine can be printed and distributed.
I see what you mean.

Who out there knows who Soutine is? Who
cares? What does Soutine have to do with food? A hint: Not
much.

Why pick on Canadians? Why the cheap jokes
about pemmican? Canadians are sensitive folks and don't deserve a
thrashing.

A paean to the corn dog? Jesting about
something scientific like feng shui? What was I doing?

Why would I call theater people "pinheads?"
And how could I forge a link between theater people and Swedish
meatballs? Oh, wait: This one is accurate.

And the recurrent theme of the triumph of
the machine, the dominance of computers, the tyranny of devices.
What's the deal? What does it have to do with food?

I pour another glass of wine. I open another
file.

What's funny about veal? One minute, there's
a teeny calf, wide-eyed, ready to romp in a pasture; the next thing
you know, you've tying into a wad of scallopini. What's amusing about
that? Especially for the calf.

There are entirely too many references to
sausage, and way too many in close proximity to snippets from
Leviticus 11.

Too much nastiness concerning tofu.

Way too much discussion of television
cartoon characters and the oppression of the underclass on police
documentaries. The term "wife-beater T-shirt" shows up time and time
again. And what justifies a detailed treatise associating plutonium,
nuclear bomb triggers, psoriasis and pancetta?

I've been at it all day. The sun is setting
and the glass is drained, literally and figuratively. I'm depressed.
My review reveals me to be a shallow, self-indulgent goofball. In a
world plagued by insurmountable problems that demand our sustained,
serious attention, I've suggested finding relief in a veal rib
steak.

I must change my life. I'm 58 years old; the
clock is ticking.

First up - stop reading. My blood sugar is
at the nadir and I'm ready to fall off a psychic precipice.

I need to eat something.

I search the fridge and I find boneless
chicken breasts and Boston lettuce.

There's a white onion and garlic. I have a
bit of cilantro, some chicken stock, a bag of outstanding Espanola
red. I locate a pack of corn tortillas in the bottom drawer, but
they're dry and stiff and they go into the trash.

A can of pinto beans emerges from the
cupboard, as does a can of diced tomato. There are some cherry
tomatoes on the counter right next to one of those creepy, watery
avocados you get during the winter months.

The chicken gets diced, as does the onion. I
mash up five cloves of garlic and chop a bit of cilantro. I saute the
chicken and onion, adding the garlic last to avoid burning it. I
sprinkle on some of the red, a bit of oregano and cumin and add a
half can of the tomato, allowing it to cook for a while and sweeten.
In goes stock and some of the cilantro (the rest I reserve for
later). I cook the mix until the sauce tightens and I adjust the
seasonings.

I take the cherry tomatoes and put them on a
baking sheet, splatter them with some olive oil, sprinkle on some
salt and pepper. I roast them for about five minutes in a very hot
oven, close to the burner. The smoke alarm goes off.

I heat the beans, reduce the liquid, season
them then pulverize them with my hand blender, adding a smidge of
butter to slick them up.

The avocado gets sliced; some jack cheese is
retrieved from the refrigerator and shredded.

Into a lettuce leaf goes some of the
chicken, a slice or two of avocado, a couple of the roasted cherry
tomatoes, a mess of cheese. Beans on the side.

I could have gone curry with the plan,
substituting chickpeas for the pintos, a yogurt-based sauce with
cucumber for the cheese. I'd use unsweetened coconut milk and a ton
of garlic and fresh ginger in the curry. I make a note to try it
soon.

The meal works; I feel a whole lot better
about myself and my lot. I feel smarter. The eating thing really
works.

What I need to do is figure how I can produce more income, allowing me to amp up the quality of items in the larder  strengthen my safety net.

Check out all posted project and club
meeting dates at
www.coopext.colostate.edu/archuleta/calendar.htm.

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G.
Thompson and Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman have announced the
release of the "Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005," the federal
government's science-based advice to promote health and reduce risk
of chronic diseases through nutrition and physical activity.

The sixth edition of "Dietary Guidelines for
Americans" places stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption
and increasing physical activity. This joint project of the
Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture is the
latest of the five-year reviews required by federal law. It is the
basis of federal food programs and nutrition education programs and
supports the nutrition and physical fitness pillars of President
Bush's HealthierUS Initiative.

"These new dietary guidelines represent our
best science-based advice to help Americans live healthier and longer
lives,'' said Secretary Thompson. "The report gives action steps to
reach achievable goals in weight control, stronger muscles and bones,
and balanced nutrition to help prevent chronic diseases such as heart
disease, diabetes and some cancers. Promoting good dietary habits is
key to reducing the growing problems of obesity and physical
inactivity, and to gaining the health benefits that come from a
nutritionally balanced diet.''

"The new dietary guidelines highlight the
principle that Americans should keep their weight within healthful
limits and engage in ample physical activity," said Secretary
Veneman. "The process we used to develop these recommendations was
more rigorous and more transparent than ever before. Taken together,
the recommendations will help consumers make smart choices from every
food group, get the most nutrition out of the calories consumed and
find a balance between eating and physical activity."

Eating a healthy balance of nutritious foods
continues as a central point in the dietary guidelines but balancing
nutrients is not enough for health. Total calories also count,
especially as more Americans are gaining weight. Because almost
two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, and more than half
get too little physical activity, the 2005 dietary guidelines place a
stronger emphasis on calorie control and physical activity.

The dietaryguidelines, based on the latest
scientific information including medical knowledge, provides
authoritative advice for people two years and older about how proper
dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic
diseases. The 2005 dietary guidelines were prepared in three stages.
In the first, a 13-member Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
prepared a report based on the best available science. In the second
stage, government scientists and officials developed the dietary
guidelines after reviewing the advisory committee's report and agency
and public comments. In the third stage, experts worked to translate
the dietary guidelines into meaningful messages for the public and
educators.

The report identifies 41 key
recommendations, of which 23 are for the general public and 18 for
special populations. They are grouped into nine general
topics:

- adequate nutrients within calorie
needs;

- weight management;

- physical activity;

- food groups to encourage;

- fats;

- carbohydrates;

- sodium and potassium;

- alcoholic beverages;

- food safety.

The dietary guidelines provide health
education experts, such as doctors and nutritionists, with a
compilation of the latest science-based recommendations.
Consumer-friendly materials such as brochures and Web sites will
assist the general public in understanding the scientific language of
the 2005 dietary guidelines and the key points that they can apply in
their lives. To highlight those points, a consumer-oriented brochure
accompanies the 2005 dietary guidelines. USDA's Food Guidance System
also will serve as a tool to educate consumers on the dietary
guidelines for Americans. The Food Guidance System, currently called
the Food Guide Pyramid, is undergoing revision and will be released
in the spring 2005.

The 2005 dietary guidelines and consumer
brochure are available at: www.healthierus.
gov/dietaryguidelines.

Pagosa Lakes News

1,000 perch produced in ice
derby

By Larry Lynch

PLPOA Property and Environment
Manager

An estimated 115 ice fishermen and women,
boys and girls turned out for the third annual Hatcher Lake Winter
Perch Tournament Saturday.

The weather was beautiful and ice conditions
were perfect for a great day of fun and fishing.

Folks were scattered around the lake looking
for hot spots and soaking up some sun as anglers caught over 1,000
yellow perch with $600 in prize money awarded to six winners in two
categories - most perch caught and largest perch caught.

Prizes, including new fishing poles, reels
and other ice fishing gear, were awarded to the winning kids in two
different age classes as well, making this a family event.

The overall winner in the most perch caught
category was Doug Burkholder with 180; second place went to Ron Geers
with 175 and third went to Steve Paradill with 169. Joe Rivas Sr. won
in the largest perch category and second and third place went to Don
Tweet and Gary Rowe. The first-place prizes were $150 in each
category; second place was $100 and third-place winners received $50.
All ticket revenue is used for prizes in these Pagosa Lakes sponsored
events.

In the separate kid's tournament the winner
in the 12-16 age group was Chris Moody with 61 perch caught; the
second-place winner was Brad Gore with nine and third place went to
Nicole Vincin with eight. In the 11 and under age group Ethan Brown
was the winner with 28 perch; second place was Dillon Martinez with
21 and the third place winners were Carter Walsh and Zach Brown who
tied with 17 fish each. Winners in the kid's tournament all received
a nice piece of ice fishing-related tackle.

We would like to thank the Upper San Juan
Search and Rescue Department and the Pagosa Fire Protection District
for helping keep an eye out on everyone last Saturday. They were also
able to take advantage of the day by practicing some ice rescue
techniques in one of the large aerator open-water zones on the lake.
Hopefully nobody ever needs this service, but if the need does arise
these dedicated men and women are well trained and know what to
do.

The Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association
will sponsor a second tournament next month on Lake Pagosa.
Tournament day is Saturday, Feb. 12. Tournament tickets are $5
pre-purchase and $7 on the day of the event. Kids 16 and under are
free and will compete separately for great ice fishing-related
prizes.

Tickets will be available beginning Monday,
Jan. 31, and will be sold at Ponderosa Do-It-Best, the Chamber of
Commerce, the Pagosa Lakes Recreation Center and the Pagosa Lakes
administration office.

We plan to combine this event with the
festivities of Winter Fest that weekend.

The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30
p.m. You can call the Pagosa Lakes administration office at 731-5635
for more information.

The upcoming event on Lake Pagosa is
coincidentally close to Valentines Day, the following Monday. What
better way to show that someone special you love him or her than to
take them ice fishing during this special weekend. Catching a mess of
yellow perch for supper combined with some biscuits and a salad has
romance written all over it.

Seriously though, yellow perch are one of
the best eating fish you'll find anywhere; they are a member of the
walleye family and if you've ever had walleye you know what I'm
talking about.

The perch in Lake Pagosa are going to be
much bigger than the ones in Hatcher Lake and the perch fishing
through the ice on Lake Pagosa has been outstanding this year.

Obituaries

William Rohrer Jr.

William "Bill" Rohrer Jr. of Pagosa Springs died in his home
Friday, Jan. 14, 2005.

The son of William C. and Lydia Belle Locke Rohrer, he was born
Feb. 1, 1940, in Gentry, Ark. He married Janet Marie Lundquist in
Denver April 19, 1969, and he and his wife moved to Pagosa Springs in
2001.

Prior to moving, he had attended the University of Denver, was in
the United States Navy and had retired after 35 years service from
the Denver Water Department.

He was an active member of his church. While living in Denver he
attended New Life Fellowship (Judson Memorial Baptist), faithfully
served as a longtime nursery worker, treasurer and KidsClub worker,
and also served as an elder and an usher.

He was well known by children as well as adults and touched the
lives of many. Bill enjoyed gardening, reading and model railroading.

He is preceded in death by his parents William and Lydia Belle
Rohrer. Survivors are his wife, Janet M. Rohrer, his son Karl A.
Rohrer and a daughter, Karen A. Rohrer, all of Pagosa Springs.

A memorial service was held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005, at
Mountain Heights Baptist Church with Pastor Bart Burnett officiating.
Interment of his cremains will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery in
the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
Mountain Heights Baptist Church, PO Box 4429, Pagosa Springs, CO
81147.

John E. Rieck

John E. Rieck, 62, a resident of Chimney Rock, died Jan. 18, 2005,
in Durango.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at
Hood Mortuary, 1261 E. 3rd Avenue in Durango.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be
made to the Pagosa Fire Protection District.

A full obituary will be printed in next week's SUN.

Business
News

Sweet success: The candy man
moves from tent, to 'shack' to thriving confectionary

By Tom Carosello

Staff Writer

Looking for the perfect gift to
let that special someone know exactly how you feel?

Bill Goddard and Connie Bunte have
a suggestion: try a half-pound bag of "Elk Poop."

Such an offering is sure to result
in divorce or breakup, you say?

Then you'd better opt for the full
pound bag ... and throw in a few "Bear Piles." Maybe even some "Deer
Droppings," just in case.

If you're taking such advice
literally, reconsider.

Goddard and Bunte own and operate
The Choke Cherry Tree/San Juan Chocolate Company, a delightful
confectionary housed within a quaint chalet on U.S. 160 west of
town.

In addition to the traditional
notions of employing an exceptional staff and putting customer needs
above all else, Goddard and Bunte maintain another simple business
philosophy: "Have fun."

Thus the references to "poop" and
"piles" - tongue-in-cheek brand names for the popular blends of nuts
and chocolate-covered caramels they've been creating and marketing in
Pagosa since 1999.

In the past six years, store
visitors have occasionally blushed at the sight of labels denoting
contents such as "Baby Buffalo Chips."

However, even skeptics are often
unable to resist the store's fine selections of homemade candies,
which aren't the only temptations offered at The Choke Cherry
Tree.

What has blossomed into a growing
candy business originally began as a humble produce stand on Put Hill
in 1995.

And many of the store's shelves
reflect the modest history of the enterprise, bearing an assortment
of homemade jellies, jams, fruit butters, honey butters and
syrups.

Initially, it was a simple
operation; Goddard would haul in fresh produce from Grand Junction
via pickup truck and market the goods beneath a pop-up tent.

The fledgling business moved
indoors in 1998, when Goddard agreed to lease a small, wooden "shack"
from which to market his fruit products.

"That first summer, we used it
primarily for stocking produce," said Goddard. "The following year,
we started with the jams and jellies - really anything we could seal
off and label."

With no culinary facilities on
site, Goddard traveled back and forth to the Upper Blanco Area, where
he was afforded the opportunity to use the kitchen at Snow Wolf Lodge
to perfect his wares.

Bunte relocated to Pagosa from
Palisade to assist with Goddard's endeavor on a permanent basis in
1999, and the foundation was set.

By summer of 1999, customers were
begging for more sweets - specifically, candies - and Goddard decided
to oblige.

"I told Connie, 'If I can make
jelly, I surely can make candy,'" recalls Goddard.

So Goddard and Bunte began to
research the process of candy-making, purchasing nearly 20 books on
the subject and eventually deciding to experiment with
caramels.

At first, the couple bought bulk
caramel in slabs, but later decided it would be cheaper to produce it
themselves.

According to Goddard, those first
production trials were rather touch-and-go.

"Let's just say the first few
weeks, the bears down at Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park were doing
really well," said Goddard. "I made some god-awful messes."

But in the end, Goddard
effectively struck gold.

"I knew I had the right
combination," said Goddard, "when a woman came into the store one
day, took a bite of caramel and said, 'Oh ... my ... god!'"

Soon after, sales of "Grandpa
Bill's Old-fashion Homemade Caramel," which is sold plain or with
almonds, pecans and walnuts, began to soar.

The rise in business prompted
relocation to larger quarters two years ago, and the store's product
lines have expanded accordingly.

To this day, however, "The
caramels remain the biggest seller we have," concludes Bunte.

And demand for the sweets is
sometimes global; orders have been sent as far as Iraq, Asia, England
and South America.

But while candy may be their
mainstay, Goddard and Bunte strive to keep a multitude of fruit-based
products on hand, as well.

Jam and jelly flavors range from
traditional favorites such as blackberry and peach to eclectic
combinations like strawberry rhubarb and raspberry plum.

There is even a variety of "hot
jams" sure to satisfy eccentric tastes, spreads featuring
jalapeño peppers paired with the likes of peaches, apricots
and plums, to name a few.

Fruit syrups contain real fruit,
are free of flavorings and extracts and include customary tastes such
as peach and blueberry, as well as novelties like tart cherry,
strawberry rhubarb and raspberry rhubarb.

The selection of eight available
fruit butters, which appeal to the calorie-conscious because they are
made with less sugar than jams and jellies, includes apple, pear,
peach and sweet potato.

For those with spicier tastes, The
Choke Cherry Tree also carries myriad salsas, hot sauces, barbecue
sauces, mustards and relishes.

Also in stock are vinegars, oils,
dressings, marinades, pickled olives and garlic.

Rounding out the savory inventory
is a quality selection of cocoa and cappucino mixes, soup and dip
mixes and countless specialty and seasonal items.

Whenever possible, the store will
shelve goods made in Colorado; a glance at a few product labels
indicates originations such as Silverton, Palisade, Pueblo and
Crested Butte.

But ultimately, customer
satisfaction is the goal and "quality, not point of origin,
determines whether an item is carried."

The Choke Cherry Tree is open
daily. Store location is 4760 West U.S. 160; hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover are
accepted.

To place an order by phone or
inquire about store products, call 731-4951, (800) 809-0769, or
e-mail chokecherry@frontier.net.

For more information on The Choke
Cherry Tree's product lines and prices, visit the store Web site at
http://chokecherrytree.com.

Biz Briefs

Self-Employment association
names

local representative

Robert G. Williams has been named
the new membership representative in the Pagosa Springs area for the
National Association for the Self-Employed.

The association was formed in 1981
by a group of small-business owners seeking the kinds of benefits and
services then only available to large corporations.

With full-time representation in
Washington, D.C., NASE gives members a strong political voice and the
negotiating power that comes with group size.

For example, NASE has used its
voice to fight for reduced estate taxes on small businesses,
increased deduction of health insurance for the self-employed, the
home office deduction, Social Security reform and clarification of
independent contractor status.

To learn more about NASE and
benefits it offers, call Williams at 946-8006 or log onto
www.benefits4colo.com.

Myron Carr is the regional
youth/family support therapist working with Department of Social
Services to meet individual and family counseling needs.

Robert Woods is the agency's new
emergency services/child and adolescent therapist.

The center is at 475 Lewis St.,
downtown, Suite 104. Call 264-2104

Biz Beat

Riverside Health
Practices

The providers at Riverside Health
Practices announce the opening of a new paradigm in health care for
Pagosa Springs, in offices located at 103 Pagosa St.

Scott Anderson DC, left, has 20
years chiropractic experience with extensive training in orthopedics
and treatment of sports injuries.

Mary McClellan is a licensed
massage therapist with 16 years experience doing deep tissue massage
with acupressure in medical settings.

Susan Kuhns is a certified nurse
practitioner with a 15-year history as a family practice health
provider. She has extended her services to focus on women's health
care and has additional training in bioidentical hormone replacement
therapy.

Robert Brown M.D. has an extensive
background in family practice and emergency medicine, and has been
trained in medical acupuncture.

The Archuleta County Education Center and coordinator Jenine
Marnocha would like to thank generous Pagosans, Daylight Donuts, City
Market and hard working Youth-to-Work students Tera Ochoa, Kacey
Tothe, Cheyenne Spath, Tom Dang, Myron Voorhis, and Ron Toland for
adding $150 to help Save The Children of the tsunami disaster through
our bake sale. Thank you.

Engagement

Neder-Linck

Mike and Susan Neder are pleased to announce the
engagement of their daughter, Emily Susan Neder, to Ken Linck of
Flagstaff, Ariz. The Neders are even more thrilled that the couple
has decided to elope to Las Vegas, Nev., on March 19. Stay tuned for
more information on a summer party to honor the newlyweds here in
Pagosa.

Poma-Hoefar

Ms. Peggy Ralston-Poma, Mr. Lou Poma and Ms. Mary
Joe Schilling announce the engagement of their daughter, Victoria
Irene Poma, to Captain Colby Dewayne Hoefar, U.S. Air Force. The
bride to be was born and raised in Pagosa Springs, and graduated from
Kansas State University in 1991 with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant
Management. She has since made a career as a Real Estate Broker for
the past 13 years. The groom to be is the son of Mr. Terry and Mrs.
Janet Hoefar of Haslett, Texas. Captain Hoefar was born in Oklahoma
City, Okla., and graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 1995 with
a degree in civil engineering. He is currently serving at the Air
Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs. The
celebration and wedding with immediate family and very close friends
is planned June 11 and will take place in the Weminuche River Valley
at the historic Poma Ranch. The couple will reside in Colorado
Springs.

Sports Page

Pirates drop Alamosa 58-47,
host Centauri Saturday

By Tom Carosello

Staff Writer

There's no place like home.

After an absence of nearly one month, Pirate
basketball returned to the Pagosa Springs High School gymnasium
Saturday night.

And in its final contest leading up to this
week's Intermountain League opener, the home team did not
disappoint.

Led by senior Caleb Forrest and junior Craig
Schutz, the Pirates beat Class 4A Alamosa 58-47 to improve to 10-1 on
the year.

However, one area of alarm for Pagosa Head
Coach Jim Shaffer in an otherwise impressive win was the turnover
column, which reflected 25 Pirate miscues.

"I thought at times we played well and made
it look easy, but at other times we turned the ball over three or
four times in a row," said Shaffer after the game.

"So I'm a little concerned with how we've
been taking care of the ball lately," he added. "Early this year,
ball control was one of our strengths, but that's kind of gone south
on us in the past two games."

But despite an abnormal number of giveaways
to the Mean Moose, the Pirates were rarely in danger of relinquishing
the lead after gaining control of the contest near the start of the
second quarter.

The Mean Moose controlled the tip and forged
an early 4-0 lead, but five points from Forrest to answer a jumper
from Alan Kitchen made it 6-5 Alamosa with three minutes gone in the
opening period.

A deuce from Jason Espinosa put Alamosa up
three, but the Pirates tied the game at 8-8 with a free throw from
Craig Schutz and a put-back by Forrest.

Espinosa responded with a trey, but Forrest
booked eight straight, including a pair of consecutive three balls,
to give Pagosa a 16-11 lead at 2:20.

Alamosa battled back to 16-15 with two
apiece from Spencer McDaniel and Josh Streeter, but the first quarter
ended 17-15 in favor of the Pirates after a late free throw from
Forrest.

Pirate senior Otis Rand opened second-frame
scoring with a deuce off a dish from Paul Przybylski, then followed a
trey from Forrest with two inside to make it 24-15.

Then sophomore Jordan Shaffer hit both ends
of a one-and-one to give Pagosa an 11-point edge before Kitchen and
Whit Znamenacek combined for five straight to cut the gap to 26-20 at
4:05.

Craig Schutz scored off a baseline assist
from Casey Schutz to match a deuce from Alamosa's Carlos Casanova,
both teams got sloppy with the ball, then Forrest and Casey Schutz
provided the final five points of the period and Pagosa led 33-22 at
the half.

Forrest's deuce in the paint was the first
Pirate bucket of the third, and Espinosa put the Mean Moose on the
board with a jumper at 6:25.

Then turnovers marred both teams' efforts to
score until Craig Schutz kissed off the glass at 4:10 to give the
Pirates a 37-24 advantage.

The lead soon swelled to 41-24 on two apiece
from Casey and Craig Schutz, then Kitchen ended Alamosa's lull with a
trey that was followed by a three-point play from Casanova to pull
Alamosa within 41-30 at 1:45.

But the now-pressing Pirates got a late
drive from Przybylski to cap a 7-0 run, and the third quarter ended
with Pagosa on top 48-32 after an Alamosa tip fell true at the
buzzer.

Craig Schutz scored off an assist from
Forrest to open the fourth, then Alamosa put together a 10-point
surge to make it 50-40 halfway through the period.

Forrest was lost for the remainder of the
game during the run, exiting at 3:56 with what was later diagnosed as
a bruised back after landing awkwardly on an attempt to swat away a
shot by Streeter.

Despite the loss of their leading scorer,
the Pirates proceeded to outscore their opponents 6-1 in the ensuing
minutes, managing a 57-41 lead after a three-point play by Craig
Schutz with 1:19 to play.

Then Shaffer added a free throw to Pagosa's
total after a jumper from Espinosa, Alamosa scored four down the
stretch and the Pirates improved their season record to 10-1 with the
58-47 win.

Forrest finished with 24 points and nine
rebounds to lead Pagosa, while Craig Schutz added 16 points and seven
boards to the winning cause.

Przybylski and Casey Schutz topped the
assists column with five apiece, followed by Rand and Forrest with
two each.

Reiterating the concern over turnovers in a
postgame interview, "With league play starting this week, we have to
be mentally tougher than we were tonight and take better care of the
basketball," said Shaffer.

"We're going to get back to practice this
week and work on being smarter with our passes," he added.

"If we can cut down on the turnovers, I
think we'll be in good shape," Shaffer concluded.

The Pirates, defending league champions,
will open their IML season at home Saturday against the Centauri
Falcons. Action begins at 7 p.m.

Head Coach Jim Shaffer's Pirates must have
felt like supermodels at a construction site.

Nearly every move they made Friday night
during the second half of their 59-55 win at Kirtland, N.M. was met
with a whistle.

Especially trying for the Pirates were the
final eight minutes, which saw four Pirate starters foul out while
Pagosa repeatedly struggled with a stifling Kirtland press.

Meanwhile, the Broncos were wearing the
paint off the floor at the charity stripe, eventually whittling what
had been a 19-point Pirate lead down to two.

The end result was a fourth quarter lasting
longer than most celebrity marriages, but thanks to key free-throw
conversions from Pirate sophomores Kerry Joe Hilsabeck and Casey
Hart, an apparent disaster was narrowly avoided.

Except for a collision that temporarily
forced Pirate senior Caleb Forrest to the bench with a bloody nose,
the opening minutes of the contest were rather even-keeled; the teams
stood tied at 7-7 with four minutes left in the first frame.

Things began to fall Pagosa's way when
Pirate junior Craig Schutz completed a three-point play at 3:18, then
senior Otis Rand sank two at the line to give the visitors a 12-7
lead at 2:14.

Forrest announced his return to the lineup
with a thunderous jam on the break less than a minute later, then he
and Rand combined for the final three points of the quarter and
Pagosa led 17-7 after one.

Craig and Casey Schutz got two each to
extend the lead to 21-7 early in the second, Kirtland's David Vigil
and McKay Hathaway answered with six, then Forrest buried a trey to
make it 24-13 Pirates at 3:05.

Kirtland's Josh Black hit a deep three to
cut the margin to eight, but a reverse jam from Forrest followed by a
late baseline jumper from sophomore Jordan Shaffer to counter a lone
Bronco free throw had Pagosa up 28-17 at the half.

Pagosa began to outpace the Broncos in the
third behind an opening trey from Forrest, two from Rand on an assist
from Paul Przybylski and a trey from Craig Schutz at 4:50 that put
the Pirates in front 36-21.

Frequent whistles were a concern for Pagosa,
but the Pirates were able to build the lead to 40-21 with a free
throw apiece from Hilsabeck and Shaffer followed by two at the line
from Rand with three minutes left in the frame.

Rand and Pirate sophomore Caleb Ormonde
combined for six to offset a half-dozen from the Broncos, and at the
end of the third the Pirates held a 46-27 advantage.

Then came the deciding quarter and an
aggressive Kirtland press, and the Pirates began to unravel.

After a pair at the line from Kirtland's
Ryan Bunion, a 10-second call on Pagosa resulted in a trey from Black
and the Broncos trailed 46-32 with 7:15 to play.

A free throw each by Przybylski, Bunion and
Ormonde made it 48-33, then Kirtland's Donovan Tanner canned a trey
to narrow the gap to an even dozen at 6:10.

Rand hit Forrest for two to put the Pirates
up by fourteen, but the scent of a possible comeback began when
Forrest drew his fifth personal with five minutes remaining.

Kirtland's McKay Hathaway and Chris Pyne got
the next Bronco six, Przybylski and Schutz got two each at the line,
and the Pirates held a 54-42 edge at 3:54.

But Pagosa lost Craig Schutz to foul trouble
in the hectic next minute, the Bronco press continued to take its
toll and the Pirates were unable to counter five straight Kirtland
free throws that cut the lead to 54-47.

Then a foul behind the arc sent Rand to the
sideline and Pyne to the stripe, and the resulting free throws made
it 54-50 inside the three-minute mark.

Bunion trimmed the lead with a free throw at
2:39, then Przybylski gave the Pirates temporary breathing room with
a pair of charity tosses at 2:06; Pagosa led 56-51.

Pyne kept the home crowd on its feet with a
trey less than 30 ticks later, however, and the Broncos trailed by
just two at 1:40.

The Pirates were able to spread the floor on
their next possession, and eventually drew a foul that netted two
double-bonus free throws for Hilsabeck at 1:04.

But Pyne hit one of two at the line after
drawing a fifth personal from Przybylski, and Kirtland was within
three with 35 seconds to play.

A Pirate turnover on the ensuing possession
gave Kirtland a chance to tie, but the Broncos failed to convert and
Hilsabeck came away with the misfire and pushed ahead to Hart, who
was fouled with 13 seconds to play.

The first attempt rimmed out, but Hart
drained the second cleanly, boosting Pagosa's lead to four.

Kirtland could not find the range before
time expired, and Pagosa escaped with the 59-55 win.

Forrest led the Pirates with 19 points and
11 rebounds, followed by Craig Schutz and Rand with 10 points apiece
and six and five boards, respectively.

Craig Schutz led in assists with four,
followed by Przybylski and Hilsabeck with three each.

Though the Pirates recorded 27 fouls on the
night, of greater concern to Shaffer was the number of turnovers
Pagosa committed - 31.

"This kind of thing happens at all levels;
we're not the first basketball team to give up a big lead," said
Shaffer after the game.

"But we had a huge panic attack and didn't
react very well to situations where we needed to be smart and careful
with the ball," he added.

"In the last two minutes, I thought we were
probably cooked," said Shaffer. "But those free throws at the end
were huge because it made it a two-possession game, and the way
Kirtland shoots the ball, a three-point lead isn't a safe
bet."

In conclusion, "It's not a pretty win - but
better than the alternative, and it gives us a lot to work on (this)
week," said Shaffer.

The Pirates begin defense of their
Intermountain League crown at home Saturday against Centauri. Game
time is 7 p.m.

Lynda Johnson has returned to Pagosa Springs
from Miami, Fla., with a greater appreciation for her fellow
cheerleaders around the nation.

Picked as a participant in the 2005
All-American Cheerleader camp, Lynda spent six days in Miami working
with 560 other top spirit practitioners to enhance her skills and
learn new ones.

Asked what she thought was the outstanding
part of the experience, she said, "The biggest thrill was being part
of the team which performed at half time of the Orange Bowl
game."

But even more enlightening to her, she said,
was seeing that the degree of preparation necessary for all the work
in camp, "wasn't much harder than what our coach puts us through in
Pagosa."

Being part of the overall All-American
mystique was "great," but she said learning how others prepare for
the rigors of participation "gave me new ideas on how to improve my
own performance."

A Pagosa Springs High School junior, Lynda
is the daughter of Pirate cheerleader coach Renee Davis.

Morose Maroon Moose flailed
53-22 by Pirates

By Richard Walter

Staff Writer

Mean Moose seems too debasing a term for the
Alamosa High School girls basketball team.

In fact, the Maroons (the other acceptable
name) were more mild than mean on a visit to Pagosa Springs High
School Saturday.

They came into the Pirate's cove with a 4-6
record, two consecutive losses, and a group searching for its own
identity.

They did not find it on this side of Wolf
Creek Pass.

But the demise was slow in coming as the
Pirates seemed lethargic in the opening period and by its end had
fashioned only a 6-1 margin.

That came on field goals by senor center
Caitlyn Jewell and junior forward Emily Buikema and a pair from the
charity stripe by junior point guard Liza Kelley.

The lone Alamosa marker was a charity toss
by sophomore Kate Morin.

The Pirates' cold spell held into the second
period as they hit only three of 12 attempts from the floor, one a
trey by senior Bri Scott. Kelley and senior Lori Walkup each added a
field goal and Jessica Lynch converted a pair from the stripe.

The Alamosans did finally score a field goal
- in fact, two - in the second period, one each by Morin and Megan
Faucett to accompany single free throws by Erica Bussey and Crystal
Loch.

Bad basketball makes unusual statistics.
Alamosa, for example, was two-for-12 from the floor in the first half
and Pagosa only slightly better at five-for-20.

The 15-7 halftime lead for the Pirates was
evidence of both a smothering Pirate defense, and both teams doing
their best impressions of "The Gang that Couldn't Shoot
Straight."

The Pirate lethargy came to a screeching
halt in the third period as they erupted for the biggest single
quarter outburst of the year.

Scott got it underway with a driving layup,
was fouled as the ball went in, and calmly created a trey the
old-fashioned way.

Jewell took a back pass from Kelley and
drove to the rim for a pair before Walkup went on a three-basket
spree adding six to the Pirate total.

Loch fired in a long three for Alamosa to
ease the sting momentarily, but Pirate guards Lynch and Kelley then
took turns beating the Alamosa defenders to the rim for fast break
field goals.

Rebekah White notched her first field goal
for the Maroon but Pagosa had more missiles in the silo.

Fresh off the bench, Kari Beth Faber went
inside for two buckets. Kelley added another and Caitlin Forrest
scored on an offensive rebound putback and added a charity
toss.

At the end of three, numbers on the
scoreboard were reversed - 41-14 in favor of the homestanding
Pirates.

White scored for Alamosa to open the final
frame but Buikema answered with a bucket for Pagosa.

Junior forward Stacy Bervig, blanked all
night by Pirate defenders, finally got a field goal but Jewell
answered for Pagosa on the next possession.

Loch hit for Alamosa, but it was to be the
visitors' final point of the game.

The Pirates, however, were having fun, now.
Kelley drove the lane and put up a jumper. It didn't go but she was
fouled and went to the stripe to drill a pair.

Moments later, standing wide open at 22 feet
she let go her second trey attempt of the night and saw twine ripple
as it swished through.

With time running down, it was Walkup to
close out the scoring, hitting an eight-foot jumper on the left side
for the final points in a 53-22 Pirate victory.

Coach Bob Lynch, who had benched the seniors
the night before in Kirtland, N.M., was pleased with the output from
the whole team Saturday, discounting the atrocious first half
shooting percentage.

For the game, Pagosa was 21-of- 45 from the
floor for just over 46.5 percent, their best mark of the year, as
they hiked their record to 6-4. Pagosa was nine-of-16 from the
charity stripe.

Alamosa took only 15 shots from the field in
the game, converting eight, for a better than 50 percent mark. The
Maroons were just five-of-17 from the free throw line and were
outrebounded 23-9.

Forrest was Pagosa's leading rebounder with
five, four offensive. Walkup and Buikema each had four, two at each
end. Scott was the game leader in steals with five, and Lynch the
assist leader with four.

Pagosa has one more non-league encounter, a
7 p.m. contest tonight in Farmington, before opening the
Intermountain League season at home Saturday with a 5:30 p.m. tipoff
against league co-favorite Centauri. The Falcons were at the Saturday
game after disposing of the Bayfield Wolverines in their league
opener.

The coach had informed senior parents prior
to the action that it would be taking place and that it was intended
as a wake-up call for those veterans who seemed to have been in a
recent daze.

Forrest put Pagosa up first with a spinning
move in the lane on an assist from DuCharme. Then Kelley drilled a
long trey from the right wing and Pagosa was up 5-0.

In fact, with sticky defense early, the
Pirates held the defending New Mexico state Class 4A champions
scoreless through the first 3:13.

Devin Diehl broke that spell with a pair
from the charity stripe and McKenzie Crum cut the Pirate lead to 5-4
with an offensive rebound putback.

Kelley got one back on a free throw and then
drained her second trey to put Pagosa up 9-4. Diehl answered with a
Bronco deuce and with just over two minutes left in the period, Lynch
put his seniors on the floor.

C.J. Hogue drove the lane, canned the layup,
was fouled by Pirate center Caitlyn Jewell, and cut the lead to one
at the quarter break.

Lynch chose to leave his regular starters on
the floor in the second period but they responded with an 0-5
performance from the floor. In fact, only Forrest was able to score
from the floor for the Pirates in the period.

Diehl and supporters, meanwhile, went on a
three-point safari, pounding down four in six attempts, three by
Diehl and one by Christy Yazzie, and the Pirate lead disappeared in a
flash.

By the halftime break, Pagosa was down 28-13
with the only other Pirate markers in the period being single free
throws from Kelley and Faber.

For Kirtland, Yazzie added a deuce, Johnsell
Charles matched it, Hogue hit a pair from the stripe, and so did
Diehl.

The latter, averaging 23 points per game on
the season, was to finish with 27, the same number she put up earlier
in the week in a three-point loss to Durango.

Pagosa came back in the third period,
outscoring the home team 15-11 to cut the deficit to 39-28 after
three periods, with the seniors finally getting on the boards. Walkup
got the drive opened with consecutive steals leading to a pair of
points at period's start.

Bri Scott fired in six points in the frame,
her total for the game with two coming at the line. Lori Walkup added
a field goal and three from the stripe and Kelley and Emily Buikema
chipped in a pair of field goals.

But Diehl was dialed in and countered the
Pirate outburst with four field goals of her own while Yazzie added
one deuce.

Pagosa gave the Broncos a run for their
laurels early in the fourth, outscoring their hosts 6-5 to cut the
lead to 44-34 with half the period gone.

The surge came on a pair of inside drives by
the 6-2 Jewell and a second Faber free throw.

Diehl countered with a left-handed hook in
the lane and a pair of charity tosses. Kelley matched that output and
Walkup dialed a deuce to cut the margin to 8.

But that was as close as Pagosa would get.
Crum took over for Diehl with four from the stripe and added a field
goal. Hogue got her second field goal, Yazzie converted two from the
stripe as did her sister, Kaitlyn, and Tovih Begay ended the Bronco
charge with her only field goal of the game.

Kelley drilled one more field goal, giving
her 16 points on the night, but she was the only Pirate in double
figures as Kirtland capitalized on Pirate mistakes in the second half
for a 58-41 final margin.

A look at the statistics gives the first and
third periods to Pagosa, the second and fourth to Kirtland Central.
The margins, however, were much bigger for Kirtland in their prime
periods.

Pagosa also sabotaged its own cause with 18
turnovers compared to only five for the Broncos, and only one of
those in the second half.

Amazingly, Pagosa outrebounded Kirtland, but
only 24-22, paced by Scott with five defensive boards and Forrest
with five total, four offensive.

Pagosa shot only a fraction over 28 percent
for the night, with 12 for 42 from the floor and only nine-of-16 from
the charity stripe.

Kirtland Central, on the other hand, was 19
of 43 from the floor and 16 of 19 from the charity stripe, where the
real game margin occurred.

The win moved Kirtland to 12-3 for the
season and the loss dropped Pagosa to 5-4 with one more road game -
Thursday night at Farmington - before the Intermountain League season
opens with the Centauri Falcons coming to Pagosa for a 5:30 p.m.
contest Saturday.

Pirate wrestling coach Dan Janowsky wondered
that about his wrestlers prior to his team's appearance at the
Alamosa Invitational Jan. 15.

Considering a tough loss to Monte Vista Jan.
13 and a lengthy list of injuries, Janowsky was concerned his team
would not be ready for action at one of the rougher tourneys of the
season - one at which the Pirates were the sole 3A entry in a field
of ranked 4A and 5A opponents.

There were positive signs: following the
loss at Monte, wrestlers were in good spirits and, at a Friday
practice, they worked hard - a characteristic this group of athletes
has exhibited from the beginning.

"I was wondering how the guys would respond
to our loss at Monte Vista Thursday night," said the coach. His
concern did not prove out, as the team placed fifth in a rugged
nine-team field, behind winner Montrose, Alamosa, Delta and Douglas
County, and ahead of Rampart, Thunder Ridge, Pueblo East and Aztec,
N.M.

"When it was all over," said Janowsky, "I
thought we had an above-average performance for us at this
tournament."

Two Pirates placed second in their weight
classes: Paul Armijo, at 152 pounds, and Bubba Martinez at
215.

Janowsky described Armijo's first match,
against Bryant Hunter of Montrose, as "exciting. Paul fell behind
Hunter and was closing in on him when he caught him in a headlock."
Armijo scored with the third-period pin.

A 9-4 decision over Eldon Vannest of Delta
advanced Armijo out of the semifinal into the bout for the
championship.

That match was against the defending 4A
state champ, Mike Gallegos of Alamosa, and the champ won out with a
20-5 tech fall.

"I think the second-place finish was a great
sign," said Janowsky. "Paul is a good athlete and he's been training
hard. He's a competitor and he knows how to win."

Martinez drew a bye in the first round then
fought a rough customer in the semifinal - David Gurule of Alamosa.
"Bubba got behind," said the coach, "then fought his way out." When
the match ended, Martinez had the 8-6 decision.

In the final, Martinez lost to Jake Finnegan
of Montrose.

Two Pirates captured third place at the
tournament.

Daren Hockett was third at 125, starting his
day pinning Luke Weitzel of Delta at 1:01. Hockett then dropped to
the consolation round with a 9-6 loss to David Lopez of
Montrose.

In the consolation semi, Hockett rebounded,
pinning Scott Burchfield of Aztec at 3:36.

In the battle for third, Hockett defeated
Tommy Valdez of Alamosa 10-3.

Raul Palmer took third place at 135. The
senior started strong, pinning J.D. Wolf of Aztec at 1:05.

A 10-6 loss to Shawn Sanchez of Montrose put
Palmer on the mat with Andy Trujillo of Pueblo East. Palmer
dispatched Trujillo, pinning him at 1:52.

Third place was the Pirate's when he pinned
Peter Cook of Rampart at 3:57. The win left Palmer with a 4-1 record
in matches at Monte Vista and Alamosa, four of the wins by
fall.

Fourth place at 140 went to Ky Smith.

The junior started with an 11-4 decision
over Nick Shafer of Pueblo East.

A loss to the eventual tourney champ, Jason
Wilton of Thunder Ridge, threw Smith into consolation and a fight
against Brandon Garcia of Delta.

Smith nailed a 17-2 win over Garcia but lost
the fourth-place bout 3-2 to Michael Woodruff of Montrose.

Other Pirates won matches and earned points
for the team at Alamosa.

At 112, Josh Nelson was 2-2, pinning Shawn
Delmez of Thunder Ridge at 2:46 and getting the fall against Brandon
Cordova of Pueblo East.

Manuel Madrid started well at 145 with a
16-1 win over Brandon Quintero of Pueblo East then, injuring a
hamstring in the consolation semifinal, he was forced to surrender an
injury default.

Matt Nobles got a victory at 160, nailing a
fall against Troy Angsten of Pueblo East at 3:03.

Joe Romine pinned Kyle Manhart of Thunder
Ridge at 275.

"In a lot of matches," said Janowsky, "we
were losing decisions where the week earlier we lost major decisions
or lost by a tech fall. Compared to Thursday (the loss at Monte
Vista) we were often coming out ahead in the third, not the other way
around. We had kids who didn't win, but they got a lot of mat time
and they wrestled hard."

The problem now is twofold: first, there are
injuries; second the season is rapidly drawing to a close.

"We're beat up," said the coach. "We've got
more injuries than usual. They're not season-ending injuries, but
they are hampering our performance and our ability to
practice."

This week might be the only time to allow
those injuries to heal before the remaining IML dual meets, the
Ignacio tournament and the regional tourney that set the stage for
state.

Tonight, the team is scheduled to make a
trip to Durango for a dual meet against the Demons. Saturday, a trip
to Center is in the offing.

"I'm still not sure who I'll take to Durango
and Center," said the coach. "I'll wait to the last minute and take
our injury situation into consideration."

The match at Durango is set to begin at 6
p.m. Action starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at Center.

Pirates lose IML dual to Monte
38-33

By Karl Isberg

Staff Writer

A week of extremes for Pirate wrestlers
began Jan. 13 with a 38-33 Intermountain League dual meet loss to
Monte Vista.

The loss put Monte Vista in the lead for the
league title and threw the Pirates into a battle with the three other
teams in the IML - each of which hopes someone else knocks off the
leader.

In one respect, it was a disappointing loss
for the Pirates - the team, as a whole, was not competing at peak
capacity and, but for a successful match or two, could have defeated
the host team.

It was encouraging for the same reason: the
team did not perform near its best, leading to the notion the Pirates
can be far better when the important cards are on the table, at the
regional qualifying meet in three weeks.

The dual began at 140 pounds where Pagosa's
Ky Smith lost a tough match to Omar Gonzalez, 7-5. Gonzalez came back
from a 5-2 deficit in the third period to score the winning
points.

Manuel Madrid, nursing a sore hamstring,
lost to Monte's Joe Kelso at 145.

The Pirates' first points came from Paul
Armijo at 152. The senior beat Zack Scholl 3-2.

Matt Nobles scored maximum points with a pin
at 160. Nobles put German Gutierrez's shoulders down at the
three-minute mark.

Justin Moore fought a tough and experienced
opponent in Clayton Weaver, and lost his match at 171.

Pagosa edged up on Monte with points on
forfeits at 189 and 215.

In a move guaranteed to make his wrestler
tougher, Coach Dan Janowsky put Bubba Martinez in at 275 to face
Keeton Roosen. Martinez, the Pirates' 215-pounder, tops the scales at
around 205. Roosen brings a full 275 to the dinner table each night.
Martinez wrestled Roosen well before succumbing 5-2.

The Pirates on the light end of the weight
classes got the team to within striking distance.

Shane Lloyd pinned Pablo Mascarenas at 1:25
in a match at 103.

At 112, Josh Nelson lost to Zack Trujillo
and Orion Sandoval lost his match at 119 to Justin Prieto.

Daren Hockett lost his first match of the
season at 125. Hockett battled Kyle Francis and the wrestlers were
tied 3-3 going into the final period. Francis got the takedown,
Hockett got an escape but Francis managed to tie up Hockett's wrists
when the wrestlers were on their feet, thwart any attack by the
Pirate and eke out a 5-4 decision.

At 130, Paul Hostetter lost a match to
Quentin Burke.

Raul Palmer began what would be an
exceptional weekend with a fall over Kyle Cooper in the third period
of their match at 135.

"We got beat a lot in the third period,"
said Janowsky. "Our guys looked tired, looked slow. Actually, both
teams seemed a little tired after a long week and neither team
wrestled its best. But, we're a lot better than we showed. We started
off pretty good then faded in some of our matches. It looked to me
like mental fatigue rather than physical fatigue. Maybe we're
overtrained at this point, but you have to take that chance; you
can't taper for every meet. We just didn't rise to the occasion and
we need to remember that, when you get down, you have to find a way
to win."

As far as a chance at the IML title, decided
on the basis of a round of dual meets with the other IML teams,
Janowsky thinks the Pirates are still in the running.

"We left the door open and Monte walked in
and took the meet and the lead. Now we have to win our other duals
and hope someone knocks off Monte Vista. But, we also have to
remember there are more important things ahead. We set our sights on
the regional and state tournaments."

Florence, originally scheduled to fight
duals at Monte Vista against the Pirates and the hosts opted out of
action Jan. 13.

The Pirates are scheduled to travel to
Durango tonight for a 6 p.m. dual with the Demons. Saturday the team
will attend the Center tournament which begins at 10 a.m.

Pagosans bow the title line

By Richard Walter

Staff Writer

It may not be a recognized hotbed of archery
competition, but Pagosa Springs now has seven state award winners,
including two record-setting champions.

Top performers were Steven Melendy, a
13-year-old who captured first place and set a state scoring record
in bow-hunter freestyle competition.

Mason Laverty of Pagosa Springs was third in
the same competition bracket.

Also winning a first-place trophy and
setting a state scoring record was Lynn Constan in traditional bow
competition.

Kathi Huddleston captured first place in
adult female freestyle competition and Jay DeLange took the first
place trophy in men's freestyle limited.

Not to be outdone, Sally DeLange, Jay's
wife, was first in women's freestyle limited and Lynn's husband,
Nick, was second to Jay in the men's freestyle limited.

Pagosa Springs
Parks

Plan for the future; nothing
stays the same

By Joe Lister Jr.

SUN Columnist

Last week, while looking through the town
board archives of minutes from different eras, it was interesting to
see the problems and the concern of the community have not changed.

In the '50s and '60s the main source of
revenue was the sawmills and, later on, it was water diversion
projects that kept the town's populace able to rent and own homes and
put food on the tables.

There were very few tourist dollars and few
county tax revenues to pay for roads and other services, because the
Pagosa Lakes subdivisions did not yet exist.

In the minutes from one of the meetings in
the '50s the board directed the chief of police, Sam Post, to find
someone to mow the park for the annual Fourth of July celebration.
They also approved $500 to buy a used state patrol vehicle from
Salida, with a whole $20 set aside for gas, food and lodging on the
trip over to pick up the car.

The trash service bond for all the trash
pick-up was $300. Water and sewer was a great concern, as were mill
levies.

Fifty years later the No. 1 source of income
for the town is the same as it is throughout the state - tourism.
Only $65,000 in the town budget now comes from property tax; the rest
of our budget comes from sales tax revenues and that means a lot of
that revenue is generated by tourists.

So, to do out part and protect our main
revenue base, our board is trying to envision some of the future
needs for parks and recreation. We are trying to preserve open space,
parks, and river recreation to keep the tourists coming to town. The
town and county benefit from them spending their tourist dollars
here.

Our town leaders must realize the cost of
looking into the future, and start preserving open space, and dealing
with the maintenance of capitol improvements.

If everyone does their part, the experience
the tourist and the locals will enjoy in Pagosa in the future will be
just as memorable as it is for those of us that remember the "good
ole days." In 50 years or so these days will be the "good ole days."

So hang in there, open your minds and ask
questions, because the rumors are raging. And just know, nothing ever
stays the same. Just ask the old-timers.

Editorial

Stick to the plans

Many reactions following last week's Community Vision Coun-cil
meeting have been cathartic and extreme. Emotions are running high
among those opposed to the plans and/or the planners. We are mindful,
however, of the fact that plans are not policies and the best plans
are malleable; second, we take issue with some of the reasons for the
more exaggerated reactions and urge involvement and vigilance on the
part of those who will be affected by changes that, in one form or
another, at one time or another, are inevitable.

It is unproductive to focus on personalities, to pursue ad hominem
arguments. There is edgy talk about "people with money" buying
property, seeking to develop it, but we remember it is people with
money who purchase property and are willing to take a risk - yes, for
their own gain - who are the foundation of our economic system. The
old commercial buildings in downtown Pagosa Springs were financed and
built by people with money; the replacements will be as well. Those
with the ability to spend their money have the right to do so, and
have the right to profit by it. At this point, it is plans, not
people, that should be analyzed.

The fact that some who seek to develop a community master plan
came from somewhere else is irrelevant. Most people reacting to the
plan came here from somewhere else, many in the recent past. It is
not where a council member, developer or builder comes from that
matters, it is the quality of ideas that is important.

It is naïve to lament change: There is no halting it and no
denying the economic viability of this community can be strengthened
by careful, coherent development. Look around: There are properties
and amenities that can be improved, structures that should be
replaced. It is obvious much of the clutter here was created with
little or no attention to the whole. To those who complain that
Pagosa will be destroyed we submit there are parts of Pagosa that
should be replaced with something better. This will happen, sooner or
later, with a plan or without. We believe it is best to shape change
in accord with a master plan approved and constantly modified by
elected officials and their constituents.

These things said, we also believe a gap must be maintained
between government and the private sector. The relationship between
public and private is of concern at every level of our society when
business is done and plans are made involving the two sectors. When
lines blur, the little guy gets hurt.

Members of self-appointed groups are not elected by the people as
their representatives. That such groups can produce plans and finance
the creation is perfectly acceptable, even laudable. That such groups
might act in place of government or in the stead of elected officials
and duly appointed commissions is unacceptable. Government has a
broader charge than private interests - tending to the greatest good
for the greatest number, protecting those who cannot protect
themselves, seeing to it that everyone abides by the same rules,
whether a plan or project be large or small. It is also the task of
government to make sure it has the tools - staff and regulations - to
deal with change within its sphere.

These are our concerns: details of plans, their susceptibility to
change based on input of those affected, and governmental
accountability - not personalities, not who has money, not the rights
of private businesspersons. We wait for local government to take the
next steps, to see if the process that takes us from plan to policy
is open to input from anyone who might be affected. And we remind
voters that government is theirs, and theirs to change if it does not
function on everyone's behalf.

Karl Isberg

Pacing
Pagosa

Flight of fancy was but a
dream

By Richard Walter

Staff Writer

Everyone, I suspect, has a persistent
dream.

Whether yearning for wealth, luxury, the
ideal mate or some unattainable gratification, the dream returns
again and again.

As a child mine was flight.

I could fly, really fly, in these real as
life episodes.

I don't mean fly as in an airplane or deep
space probe. I mean fly, like a bird - or Superman.

But my dream was so real I often believed
it.

I once tried to fly out the loft of George
Bryan's mother's barn in Ignacio and landed perfunctorily on my
backside with a "Whoa, Nelly" type of cry.

But the dream wouldn't go away.

I could fly over the town and swoop down on
friend or enemy. I could buzz the trees and challenge the real birds
to an air duel.

One of the best things about being able to
fly was a suddenly acute sense of knowing where fortune lay. Fortune
as in loose change, errant greenbacks. From my flight path above I
could spot all the lost lucre.

It was a simple matter to dive down and
scoop it up.

Once, in flight, I spied a friend and
circled around letting him see how well I handled the aerodynamics of
a dream world. When I yelled at him he ignored me. I dive-bombed him
with a wadded up dollar and still he refused to acknowledge my
presence.

How was I to know it was just a dream?
Everything was so real. It was no effort at all to take off, no
problem landing, and the view was spectacular.

When my father's boss, George Anderson,
secured one of the first single-engine aircraft ever in the Ignacio
area, I got to go for a ride. It was just as if I were still flying
on my own.

I tried to explain how I knew where and how
we were to approach the makeshift landing field; that there was a
ditch just beyond the ridge that could pose a problem if the taxi
distance was too short. George and Dad just looked at me and shook
their heads.

But me, I was lost in flight.

With that background, you would think I
would hanker for a role in aerial service of our land, or at least as
a death defying high-altitude aerial circus pilot.

But after making an aircraft carrier landing
as a passenger in a Grumman S2F, something happened to the dream. As
the pilot went into his approach I looked down. The carrier, no
larger than a matchbox, seemed to be trying to run away from us.
Little did I know the skipper was heading into the wind so the flight
could be slowed by the same air current. There is no way, I thought
aloud, that he can land this thing on that tiny moving object.

But land it, he did. And in ensuing years I
made the flight several times, once by helicopter. But never again
did I fly on my own, not even in a dream.

There may be an embedded message in this
concern about flight. Perhaps it is that everyone needs a dream, an
escape from reality, if only while asleep.

And who knows, you may awake from your dream
and find a handful of change and crushed cash. Only you will know the
source.

Legacies

90 years ago

Taken from The Pagosa Springs SUN files of Jan.
22, 1915

Otto and Lawrence Snow killed two large mountain
lions and a lynx cat on Devil Mountain Saturday. The hides are
unusually handsome.

Rex Hott and Mr. Chase stopped at Wm. Dyke's
Tuesday evening enroute from O'Neal Park where they had vaccinated
250 head of cattle. Three head died with blackleg last week.

Every community - and Pagosa is no exception - is
inflicted with a few self-styled high brows, who, having made an
ingnominious failure of everything they undertook, including their
own lives, are continually pumping their insidious rhetorical wisdom
into the minds of those who carry more business brains under their
toe nails than the whole bunch of viperish disturbers.

75 years ago

Taken from SUN files of Jan. 24,
1930

The snow is reported to be nine feet deep on
Cumbres Pass, and we have no report concerning Wolf Creek Pass.

Wednesday morning dawned with the lowest
registration of the present winter, which ranged all the way from 35
to 44 degrees blow zero in Pagosa Springs and vicinity.

The state highway snow plow, which was put into
service on Pagosa Street last week, has made a decided improvement in
providing a means for traffic to continue on the city's main
thoroughfare.

The debris of the disastrous fire, which last week
destroyed the Laughlin Store, Pagosa Bakery and Little Manhattan Cafe
buildings, is now being removed.

50 years ago

Taken from SUN files of Jan. 21,
1955

Catholic guild members and their husbands held a
special meeting on Sunday night. Purpose of the meeting was discuss
needed repairs and improvements on the Parish Hall and Father Bernard
Rotger's living quarters. Several men in the parish expressed
enthusiasm for a new parish hall rather than spend money on the
present building. An investigation committee was appointed. Mr.
Belarde stated that should the committee decide upon a new building
he would start the ball rolling with a donation of $500 worth of
lumber. Mr. Vic Poma, Mr. James Jones, Mr. Percy Chambers and others
followed suit with substantial pledges of cement blocks, building
cement, cash grants and skilled labor.

25 years ago

Taken from SUN files of Jan. 24,
1980

Citizens Utility, the company holding the natural
gas franchise for the town, has notified the town that it considers a
proposed geothermal heating system a threat to the value of its gas
distribution system. The company said that it will seek damages when
and if the system is constructed.

A larger than usual number of plats and various
requests were heard by the Upper San Juan Regional Planning
Commission at its meeting Monday night. The commission also heard
that the Colorado Review Process on a proposed ski and resort area on
the East Fork of the San Juan River was proceeding as
scheduled.

A snowstorm last weekend left several inches of
new snow, but this was followed by more clear weather.

Features

Serving Justice: Courts
consider volunteer program

By Tess Noel Baker

Staff Writer

Justice may be blind, but in Archuleta County she's searching for
the hand of a few volunteers - about 15 to 20.

It takes an application, a background check, about 20 hours of
training and a commitment of six to 12 hours a month to qualify.
Possible benefits include a savings to the community and better
services to the victims of crime. No experience necessary.

That was Archuleta County Court Judge Jim Denvir's pitch to a
couple dozen people gathered for an informational meeting Tuesday at
the courthouse. On the agenda were presentations by a law enforcement
representative, a district attorney, Denvir, victims advocates and a
parole officer The goal was to explain the current system and how
volunteers might fit in.

The combined effects of population growth and state funding
cutbacks mean, "less resources are coming to bear on what is becoming
a greater problem in this community," Denvir said. The problem is
crime. Increasing crime. In 2003, Denvir saw about 100 felony cases
cross his desk. In 2004, that number leaped to 154 felony cases.

Assistant District Attorney Dondi Osborne said trends are similar
throughout the sixth district which includes Archuleta, LaPlata and
San Juan counties.

Meanwhile, resources are lagging. Steve Brittain, court
administrator for the Sixth Judicial District said funding cuts force
the court to function at "87 percent of demonstratable need, based on
case load." That equals a loss of five clerk posisions, 1.5 probation
positions and a clerical position.

Denvir said in Archuleta County probation services are only
available in felony cases. In misdemeanors where a suspended sentence
is imposed, sentencing requirements might be monitored twice in a
12-month period - once at three months and once at the end of the
timeline.

That, Denvir said, does little to push someone to complete the
terms of their sentence, little to help people get the treatment they
need in alcohol or drug abuse matters and little to encourage a move
out of the court system.

That's one hole in the system he hopes to plug with volunteers.
The other has to do with assisting victims in criminal cases, cases
prosecuted not only for the victim, but for the people of the State
of Colorado.

"We can have an effect on the community," he said. "We can take
steps to address the issues as opposed to complaining or leaving it
up to someone else."

Denvir went on to say that the criminal justice system as it is
does some things very well, including: handling a great number of
cases fairly efficiently, assigning punishment for convictions and
protecting the rights of defendants.

That certainly doesn't mean it's perfect. Because of the way the
system works, good or bad, Denvir said, victims sometimes fall
through the cracks as attorneys and judges weight the immediate
concerns for all involved.

"That's not because anybody in the system is necessarily
insensitive to victims," Denvir said. Timelines, plea agreements, a
packed docket and confusing rules sometimes leave those who reported
the crime out in the cold with no one specifically assigned to track
their cases, advise them of their rights or lead them through the
process.

With no money to hire people to fill in those holes, Denvir is
hoping to find it at his fingertips. In the next month, he hopes to
put together a start-up group of volunteers. These volunteers would
help administer the program and oversee the two main objectives -
monitoring sentencing requirements for first-time offenders and
assisting victims.

Eventually, Denvir said, he'd also like to see the start of a
volunteer mentor program and perhaps mediation.

According to a release by the Court Volunteer Services Division of
the National Judicial College, over 7 million people nationwide
served as court volunteers from 1959-1999. Related surveys estimated
the civilian volunteers prevented over 3 million convictions and
saved taxpayers billions of dollars.

A side-by-side study of two cities of about 100,000 people - one
with volunteers and one without - showed recidivism, the number of
repeat offenders, was greatly reduced using volunteers. Of course,
the numbers also showed a huge increase in the amount of services
available to a probationer.

The city without a volunteer program was staffed with one
full-time probation officer and one half-time secretary. Direct
service to probationers was an estimated three minutes per month. In
that scenario, almost 50 percent of those placed on probation over
five years became repeat offenders.

Add in 500 volunteers and direct services to the probationer
jumped to 6-12 hours per month. The number of repeat offenders over
nearly a five year study period dropped to 15 percent.

It's not clear what the statistics would show here, Denvir said.
In fact, he was unable to locate a volunteer model program anywhere
in the state. However, it is clear adding to the pool of resources
can only help.

"Even as war is too important to leave to the generals," Keith J.
Leenhouts, director of the volunteer division of the national
judicial college, wrote, "so crime is too important to leave to
probation officers, judges and other professionals. We need to be
involved, all of us, working together."

Applications for court volunteer positions are available at the
county clerk's office in the Archuleta County Courthouse.

Anyone interested is strongly encouraged to attend a second
training session Jan. 25, 8:30 a.m.-noon in the county courthouse.
The session will focus on sentencing options and compliance issues.
Denvir said prospective volunteers will be asked to spend four to
eight hours attending court to finish off their training.

Helping hand needed for a
helping hand

On Sunday morning, Jan. 16, Father Bob Pope, the new priest at St.
Patrick's Episcopal Church, awoke before dawn to find that the home
next door to his motor home that he and his wife, Alice, had been
building, was ablaze.

They had moved most of their belongings into the house. Despite
the valiant efforts of Upper Pine River Fire District personnel, the
home was destroyed. It appears the Popes have lost everything.

Father Pope is known to many in Pagosa Springs through the work he
has done with Habitat for Humanity. Many have asked what they can do
to help him and his wife.

A bank account has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank, 50 Harman Park
Drive, in the name of The Father Bob Pope Assistance Fund. Or, checks
may be sent to St. Patrick's, 225 S. Pagosa Blvd., Pagosa Springs, CO
81147, earmarked for Father Bob Pope.

Questions may be directed to Bob Woodson at 731-389 or St.
Patrick's at 731-5801.

Red Cross disaster training

scheduled Jan. 29

The Southwest Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross will host
two free disaster trainings Saturday, Jan. 29:

- Introduction to Disaster, 8:30-11:30 a.m.; and

- Family Services, 12:30-6:30 p.m.

These free courses will provide fundamental information about
disasters, the community response and the role of Red Cross Disaster
Services. It will also provide you with the information to serve as a
family service caseworker, working with families whose lives have
been impacted by a disaster.

Classes will be held at the fire station, 191 N. Pagosa Boulevard.

Preregistration is required. RSVP by calling 259-5383.

Lunch is sponsored by Cooks Back Country Bar-B-Q.

Pagosa's
Past

Summitville gold strike opened
to Pagosa routes

By John M. Motter

SUN Columnist

Folks today take Wolf Creek Pass pretty much
for granted, summer or winter. Closure of the pass due to snow
blockage has occurred infrequently over the last half century or
so.

Time was when Wolf Creek Pass was closed
throughout the winter. Before that, before there even was a Wolf
Creek Pass, folks had to follow other routes to reach Pagosa Country
during winter. For the most part, until the Denver & Rio Grande
narrow gauge railroad crossed the South San Juan Mountains and
reached Durango in 1881, folks didn't make the effort to come from
the outside into Pagosa Country during winter.

As we discussed last week, the preferred
entry routes into Pagosa Country prior to settlement were from New
Mexico up the Chama River Valley or though an assortment of
cañons ending on the San Juan River near the Aztec-Farmington
area.

When gold was discovered at Baker's Park
near Silverton in 1860, travel routes into the San Juan Basin began
to change. Because gold had been discovered west of Denver prior to
1860, much of the impetus to explore the San Juans came from that
direction.

Prospectors pressed deeper into the
mountains from that 1859 Denver strike, pushing into South Park,
Leadville and the San Juans by way of Lake City, Ouray and Del Norte.
A major immigration route passed up the Rio Grande River through Del
Norte and crossed the mountains by way of Stony Pass to the gold
fields along the upper Animas River Valley. Another route moved from
Lake City across the Divide and into the upper Animas.

Two relatively new routes passed through
Pagosa Country. One, fed by prospectors working rich gold ores at
Summitville on the headwaters of the Alamosa River, crossed from
Summitville over Elwood Pass and down the East Fork of the San Juan
River to Pagosa Springs. A second route crossed the San Juan
northeast of Chama at what has become known as Cumbres Pass.

When the Army built its fort in Pagosa
Springs in 1878, the preferred route between Fort Garland in the San
Luis Valley and Fort Lewis in Pagosa Springs was the Elwood Pass
route. In fact, the Army surveyed that particular route expecting to
use it to supply the new Pagosa fort. That reckoning failed to take
into account tremendous winter snow accumulations on the South San
Juans. Consequently, Army supplies to Pagosa Springs went from Fort
Garland down the Rio Grande River Valley to Ojo Caliente then back up
the established Chama River Valley route to Fort Lewis.

By 1881, the Denver & Rio Grande
Railroad reached Durango, changing the delivery of supplies and
people to the San Juan Basin, including Pagosa Country. The route
followed by the railroad across Cumbres Pass became an important
wagon route.

Nevertheless, the mountain crossing by way
of Elwood Pass remained in use as a wagon route. In fact, the Elwood
Pass route began to receive annual state appropriations of money for
its maintenance. In addition, at various times through those early
years, mail to Pagosa Springs and other points in the San Juan Basin
seemed to come by way of Summitville and Elwood Pass.

Through all of the years just discussed,
there is no record that Wolf Creek Pass was ever even considered as a
pass. There is some evidence that travelers followed the valley of
the South Fork of the Rio Grande or other routes from that direction
on their westward moving ascent of the San Juans, then dropped down
by way of Windy Pass to the West Fork of the San Juan and thence
westward. Never is there a mention of coming down the valley of Wolf
Creek. In fact, in its primitive state, Wolf Creek would have been
impassable for wagons and nearly impassable for mounted
horsemen.

There is a story from pioneer times
concerning the naming of Wolf Creek Pass. While some have thought
this applied to the current Wolf Creek Pass, I don't believe it could
have happened. There is also a Wolf Creek along the Cumbres-Toltec
Pass route and I believe the events of this story happened on that
route. More about Wolf Creek Pass next week.

Weather

Date High Low Precipitation

Type Depth Moisture

1/12

30

5

S

4.5

.45

1/13

24

1

-

-

-

1/14

33

-1

-

-

-

1/15

38

1

-

-

-

1/16

44

5

-

-

-

1/17

48

10

-

-

-

1/18

46

11

-

-

-

Blue skies expected through
early next week

By Tom Carosello

Staff Writer

For those still recuperating from
snow-shovel shoulder, the latest Pagosa Country forecast holds
promise.

According to reports provided by the
National Weather Service office in Grand Junction, blue skies and
moderate temperatures should prevail across southwest Colorado
through early next week.

The most pleasant in the predicted string of
sunny days should be today, with highs approaching 50 and lows
settling into the teens.

Friday through Sunday call for mostly-sunny
skies, highs in the 40s and lows ranging from 10 to 20
degrees.

Monday calls for continued clear conditions,
highs in the 40s and lows in the upper teens.

The forecast for Tuesday includes the chance
for occasional afternoon clouds, highs in the 35-45 range and evening
lows in the mid to upper teens.

Increasing clouds are predicted in
Wednesday's forecast, along with a slight chance for scattered
flurries, highs in the mid-40s and lows in the teens.

The average high temperature last week in
Pagosa Springs was 39 degrees. The average low was 5. Moisture totals
for the week amounted to zero.

Wolf Creek Ski Area reports a summit snow
depth of 127 inches, a midway depth of 119 inches and year-to-date
total snowfall of 252 inches.

For updates on snow and road conditions at
the ski area, visit the Web at www.wolfcreekski.com.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center
reports the current avalanche danger in the southern San Juan
Mountains is "moderate," with pockets of "considerable" danger at and
above timberline.

According to SNOTEL data, the snowpack level
for the Upper San Juan Basin, as of Wednesday, was 182 percent of
average.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture describes
regional drought conditions as "moderate."

San Juan River flow through town ranged from
a low of about 80 cubic feet per second to a high of approximately
135 cubic feet per second last week.

The river's historic median flow for the
week of Jan. 20 is roughly 50 cubic feet per second.